AL supporter with good image can join BNP: Amir Khosru

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said individuals who may support the Awami League (AL) but are not its active workers can be granted BNP membership, provided they have a respectable image in society.

He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a membership renewal event organised by the Chattogram Division BNP at the party's Nasiman Bhaban office in Kazir Dewri.

"The die-hard AL men cannot become BNP members," Khosru said.

"But someone who is not an identified AL loyalist — who may have voted for AL or sympathised with them — if that person has a good social image, never obstructed BNP activities, never harassed our leaders and activists, and perhaps even helped us indirectly — then there is no bar to making such a person a member. We must exercise caution in these decisions," he added.

At the event, Khosru outlined criteria for party membership.

"There is a principle. There are a bunch of guidelines. Try to exclude those who are socially unacceptable, known for extortion, corruption, immoral conduct, or who lack public acceptance," he said.

The former commerce minister added, "Avoid inducting anyone whose presence would reduce our vote share, whose face would drive people away from BNP, or who would tarnish our image."