BNP and 'doctrine of necessity'
It is unfortunate that the BNP has fallen into the trap set by an internal feud.
The Awami League President Sk Hasina went to prison appointing senior party leader Zillur Rahman as acting president of the AL. The Election Commission invited Zillur Rahman for a dialogue.
We do not know the reason why the BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia did not appoint senior party leader Saifur Rahman as acting chairperson when she went to prison. Begum Khaleda Zia appointed Brig (Retd) Hannan Shah as chairperson's advisor and Khondkar Delwar Hossain as acting general secretary of the BNP.
The Election Commission did not invite Hannan Shah or Khondkar Delwar Hossain for a dialogue.
Saifur Rahman did not raise any objection when Begum Khaleda Zia appointed Hannan Shah and Khondkar Delwar Hossain.
But all of a sudden in the midnight of October 29, 2007, Saifur Rahman in a dramatic move declared himself as acting chairperson of the BNP and Major Hafizuddin (retd) as acting general secretary.
Under the extraordinary circumstances the Election Commission invited Major Hafizuddin (retd) for a dialogue. The Chief Election Commissioner said that the 'doctrine of necessity' guided them in inviting the BNP reformists.
We are surprised if the anti-corruption officials could visit and meet Sk Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia in prison, why the Election Commission officials failed to do so and discuss the dialogue issue with Begum Khaleda Zia in prison?
It is very interesting, important and significant that both 'Hannan Shah- Delwar Hossain' and 'Saifur Rahman-Hafizuddin' equally accept, respect and honour Begum Khaleda Zia as the BNP Chairperson.
Our Election Commission is pledge-bound to hold a free and fair general election in 2008. It is imperative that all concerned maintain the image, entity, activity, neutrality and integrity of the Election Commission.
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