Hannan says party men rejected 'midnight drama'

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Adviser Brig Gen (retd) ASM Hannan Shah yesterday said party leaders and workers outright rejected the "midnight drama" of Saifur Rahman and his followers.
On the other hand, newly made BNP Acting Secretary General Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed expressed unflinching loyalty to the leadership of Chairperson Khaleda Zia and said they will abide by her decisions when she comes out of jail.
Talking to reporters at his DOHS residence, Hannan Shah questioned who were the "other people" present on that night at the residence of Saifur Rahman apart from members of the standing committee.
He said Saifur Rahman telephoned him at 4:50pm on Wednesday and requested him to join them, but "I refused." On the contrary, Hannan said he requested Saifur Rahman not to spoil his image through such activities.
"I have already stated that this is not a unification process, it is a conspiratorial process," he said.
Shah questioned the motive of the meeting of seven members of the standing committee and said all on a sudden they met and distributed party portfolios among themselves.
The BNP leader called for a fresh meeting of the standing committee by issuing notice through newspapers to prove whether the meeting was spontaneous or it was held to serve the purpose of any particular quarters.
He told the reporters to publish the names of others who were present on that night at Saifur Rahman's house apart from the BNP standing committee members.
Newly made BNP Acting Secretary General Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed yesterday said they all are under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and accept her decisions when she comes out of prison.
He said they will secure the release of the chairperson through legal battle.
"There is no grouping in BNP branded as reformist and pro-Khaleda group. We all are the followers of Khaleda and shall remain united under her leadership," Hafiz told reporters at his Banani residence yesterday.
Hafiz said he visited ailing Khandkar Delwar Hossain at Birdem Hospital on Wednesday night but had no talks as he was sleeping at that time. "I'll meet him and discuss the party affairs when he recovers."
Hafiz said he also discussed the developments in the party with Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar and other senior party leaders who congratulated him, advised and suggested steps to carry out the party activities.
"We have sent a letter to the Election Commission requesting to recognise the new leadership in holding dialogue on electoral reforms.
About the war criminals, the BNP leaders said it was essential to hold trial of the war criminals.
He told a correspondent that Jamaat was in alliance with BNP in the past. "We will take decision after discussion with the party leaders if the alliance will continue.”