BNP won't sit for talks with Khaleda in jail

BNP will not participate in any dialogue with the Election Commission or hold party council until its detained chairperson Khaleda Zia is released, party leaders loyal to him said yesterday.
Newly appointed Secretary General of the party Khandaker Delwar Hossain, Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah and other pro-Khaleda leaders took the decision at a meeting at Delwar's NAM apartment residence in the capital.
"It is not possible for us to take part in any dialogue (with EC), hold party council and implement reform proposals for the party keeping the chairperson in jail," Delwar told reporters.
"Reforms would be implemented at the party council with Khaleda Zia in the chair after withdrawal of the ban on politics," he said. Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan (removed by Khaleda) served the
party as secretary general for the last 11 years but never felt the necessity of reforms, he added.
Delwar also said a legal battle to free the BNP chief has already started and will continue. Other programmes would be announced after consultation with the party leaders.
"Khaleda Zia would remain chairperson of BNP despite her captivity as the party constitution has no provision for acting chairman," he said in reply to a question.
Asked if BNP is facing a split with the change in leadership, Delwar said it would not be proper to bring about a split in the party on the question of reforms.
Demanding immediate release of the party chairperson, Delwar said, “Khaleda's release is now our prime responsibility…Reforms could be implemented in the normal process later on."
On the case filed against Khaleda, he said, “It is a conspiratorial case.”
Delwar, also a member of the BNP standing committee, urged party leaders and workers to remain united and strengthen the party to ensure release of Khaleda.
He also sought cooperation from all so that democracy could be re-established soon.
Echoing his views, Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah, adviser to the BNP chairperson, at a press briefing at his Mohakhali residence said the party will not take part in any dialogue (with EC) nor hold its council if the chairperson is not released.
He had earlier told reporters that BNP will not participate in any election without Khaleda Zia.
"Wait... An announcement will come from Khaleda Zia through her lawyers within 72 hours, which will dispel any confusion," Hannan said when asked who will lead the party as it chief in the absence of Khaleda.
On the expulsion of Mannan Bhuiyan and Ashraf Hossain, he said Khaleda Zia expelled them as per the party constitution. He ruled out any break-up in the party due to their expulsion.
Delwar and Hannan also held a secret meeting with party leaders and lawyers. They have finalised a 3-point programme, sources said.
According to the programme, Delwar along with other party leaders will place floral wreaths at the grave of president Ziaur Rahman, and the party will try to free its chief as soon as possible with the help of renowned lawyers of the country.