BNP focuses on national unity before election

The BNP is focusing on making a success its ongoing efforts to forge a national unity to compel the government to hold an inclusive election under a non-partisan neutral administration.

It has long been working to bring the political parties, which are out of the ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance, under a single platform.

As part of that initiative, its leaders have already held a series of meetings with Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob), Nagorik Oikya, Gono Forum and some left leaning parties. The party has asked leaders to complete the process soon, insiders say.

The BNP yesterday held a six-hour meeting where its standing committee members discussed a six-point plan.

The six points are about release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, movement strategy to mount pressure on the government to accept their demand for elections under a non-partisan government, participation in the next parliamentary election, forging national unity with other political parties, pressing for the formation of non partisan neutral administration and dialogues with the government.

The party leaders could not reach any decision and they will sit again tomorrow evening at the party chairperson's Gulshan office.

Party sources said the meeting emphasised taking help from party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman if needed.

The meeting sources said Jamaat-e-Islami's role in Sylhet city polls was also discussed.

A senior leader wishing anonymity told The Daily Star that the meeting discussed the next general election but most of the leaders opined for not participating in the polls without Khaleda.