Political `refugees` seek refuge in BNP

• The initiatives of national unity process have ceased. BNP has lost interest in the unity process. Dr. Kamal Hossain, one of the main leaders of the unity, flew to abroad. And because of this, the big leaders of the small parties of the unity process have turned out to become the main victims. It is known that the big leaders of the small party had the plan to take power through a greater alliance with BNP. A. S. M. Abdur Rab of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, Mahmudur Rahman Manna of Nagorik Oikyo and Sultan Mohammad Mansur, former VP of Dhaka University Central Student`s Union-DUCSU are those big leaders. All of them only think about the elections. Mahmudur Rahman Manna had already announced to run the government for two years. But due to the turning back of Dr. Kamal Hossain and Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury, they have now become political refugees. These three leaders are now lobbying with BNP to take the party symbol. And trustee of Gonoshasthaya Kendra Dr. Zafrullah is doing the advocacy for them. But BNP is not interested in incorporating these three leaders since they have become stronger candidates in their respective constituencies.

BNP was encouraged by the sudden enthusiasm of Dr Kamal Hossain. A top BNP leader has said openly `We thought that this initiative might have the US patronage.` From such an idea, BNP has shown interest to go for unity. The joint meeting between Dr. Kamal Hossain and Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury made a gentle vibration in the political arena. But at the beginning of the unity, leadership conflict between Dr. Kamal and B Chowdhury came forward. On the other hand, there is dispute within BNP over Professor Chowdhury. In particular, Mahi B Chowdhury`s conditions made BNP more resentful. In this context, the BNP has adopted the policy to slow down on national unity. BNP leaders consider the demand of clear announcement about Jamaat`s exclusion as insulting. BNP, however, managed Dr. Kamal Hossain for the unity. But without prompting anyone, Dr. Kamal went to Singapore. After his exit BNP leaders understand that Dr Kamal`s initiative has got shattered down. As a result, BNP is concentrating on the 20-party alliance. Professor B Chowdhury also wants the guarantee of some seats in the next elections in a compromise agreement with the government. It has been learned that Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh has been putting efforts for a compromise Awami League in this regard. That`s why B Chowdhury and his son are not interested in the national unity, even in the United Front. As a result Rab, Manna and Sultan have somehow been trapped. A few days ago, they used to have greater importance. Even the media had interest about them. But they suddenly became like ‘orphans’ again. They are now seeking shelter in BNP for the elections. But BNP is not interested in such big leaders. As a result, they have turned out to become refugees in national politics.

BanglaInsider/ SM