Uneasy calm in Moulvibazar BNP
Saifur's return to party mainstream worries Iliyas loyalists
Return of 'reformist' BNP leader and former finance minister M Saifur Rahman to the mainstream of the party has given rise to new speculations among the BNP leaders and activists in Moulvibazar.
A section of local BNP leaders and activists are waiting to receive Saifur and his son Naser after the latter' probable release from jail.
However, a large faction of Moulvibazar BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, who are worried to hear the news of Saifur Rahman's return to 'mainstream' of the party, are reportedly having contact with Sylhet BNP President Iliyas Ali, known for his anti-Saifur role in the past.
This faction is trying to have BNP nomination in favour of former district BNP president Begum Khaleda Robbani for the upcoming general elections.
Many BNP followers regard her as the shelter of party workers during critical periods.
Khaleda Robbani has close relation with party chairperson former prime minister Khaleda Zia. She was made MP for women's reserved seat for three times and co-opted in the party central committee.
The BNP chairperson has recently assigned central BNP leader Prof Abdul Mannan, former whip Fazlul Haque Aspia, Moulvibazar BNP leader Begum Khaleda Robbani, Moulvibazar Chhatra Dal leader Mizanur Rahman and Mustak Khan to reorganise the party in Sylhet division.
However, M Saifur Rahman has not been given any role for the task.
Saifur Rahman, who appeared as a 'reformist' leader in the party a couple of months ago, recently returned to the 'mainstream'. He met party chairperson Khaleda Zia on September 12 and attended meeting of the party standing committee the next day.
Saifur is making preparation to start party activities in his home district Moulvibazar with his son Naser Rahman who is likely to be released from jail soon, a source close to him said.
BNP leaders in Moulvibazar have expressed mixed reactions following Saifur's return in the mainstream BNP.
Begum Khaleda Robbani, who is now unofficially leading the party in Moulvibazar, said, "Time will say about Saifur's return to the mainstream. Madam [chairperson] will take final decision in this regard."
"We shall accept any decision taken by our chairperson on Saifur-Naser issue," Md Fayzul Karim Mayun, general secretary of Moulvibazar district BNP, and mayor of Moulvibazar Pourasava, said.
Mizanur Rahman Mizan, president of district JCD, also central vice-president of the organisation (JCD), has expressed the same opinion.
He, however, said, "We want tested and sacrificing persons in party leadership in Moulvibazar.”
"We hope the chairperson will take decision on the issue considering the wish of grass roots level leaders and workers. Those who compromised against party ideology may commit conspiracy again,” said Muazeem Hussain Matuk, a popular BNP leader who was expelled from the party by Naser Rahman.
Advocate Mujibur Rahman Mujib, vice president of Moulvibazar district BNP and president of Moulvibazar District Bar Association, said, “I think, as a founder of BNP and a senior leader, Saifur should take leadership.”
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