Many 'reformists' not on list: Hannan Shah

Brig Gen (retd) ASM Hannan Shah yesterday said if allegations against the party leaders on the list of corrupt suspects are proved in the courts, the BNP will take action against them.
Hannan, an adviser to detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, said he thought that a good number of the 'so-called reformist leaders' would figure in the latest list of graft suspects.
Talking to the reporters at his Mohakhali residence, he said, "The government has unveiled the list according to its promise, but it should have included more names of the self-styled pro-reform leaders."
He added that actions should be taken against the real corrupts while the innocent people must not be subjected to harassment in the name anti-graft measures.
According to the party constitution, those who would be convicted of corruption and other offences would lose their posts and be disqualified from contesting the parliamentary elections on the party ticket.
Welcoming the new list, Hannan said it seems like attitude of the government's policymakers has changed, at least so is suggested by some of those siding with expelled secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan being listed as corruption suspects.
However, it remains to be seen how sincere the caretaker administration is in its going after the real corrupts.
Hinting at Bhuiyan, he said, "I hope the government will make sure that no corrupt person gets away riding on the blessings of certain quarters."
Terming the case filed against Tarique Rahman, his wife Zobaida Rahman and mother-in-law Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu false, he called on the government not to include women in corruption cases, and grant bail to those who are already behind bars.
Earlier, he visited different places in Narayanganj and distributed relief materials among the flood victims. He was accompanied by local leaders and workers.
Meanwhile, party insiders said leaders including Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain and Hannan Shah have contacted some of those in the pro-reform camp and urged them to return to the fold and unite under Khaleda Zia's leadership.
Leaders close to Bhuiyan, on the other hand, are trying to win support of the senior leaders who still remain neutral in the immediate past ruling party polarised between two camps.