Five BNP leaders’ presence in Singapore triggers speculation
Staff Reporter :
At least five top leaders of Bangladesh National Party (BNP) are now in Singapore to receive treatment for various illnesses.
Their presence in the island country during a quite volatile and turbulent political situation at home has created speculations about any behind the screen negotiation between the rival camps.
It raised question among the people including political arena whether any possible meeting is going to be held in Singapore to negotiate the ongoing demand raised by the opposition parties.
On condition of anonymity, some political leaders said that normally political leaders went abroad to hold meeting to avoid media-so that they could discuss various issues smoothly.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas and Vice Chairman Major (retired) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed are now staying in Singapore to receive treatment.
According to multiple sources, it won’t be surprise if any meeting held there in Singapore.
However, party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went for a regular health check up along with his wife on 24 August, and Standing Committee Members Khandker Mosharraf Hossain – who went there on June 27 and Mirza Abbas went on Saturday morning accompanied by his wife.
Health Secretary of the BNP Dr Rafiqul Islam said Mirza Abbas went to Singapore on the advice of doctors and for regular health check-up due to several physical symptoms.
According to party sources, Mirza Abbas will undergo treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, but there is no information about when he will return to the country.
Last May, he went there for treatment due to stomach problems.
Regarding Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, a BNP media wing member said he spoke to him just Friday and that he is doing fine.
Besides, the party’s Vice Chairman Major (retired) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has also been staying in Singapore for a long time due to medical reasons.
Another BNP leader Swapan was hospitalised since 5 August in Bangkok after suffering from a cardiac arrest.
A BNP leader on condition of anonymity said another BNP leader and standing committee member might go to to Singapore for treatment in a few days, and that a former foreign minister is likely to join them.
Asked whether there is a possibility of a political meeting of the leaders abroad besides seeking medical treatment, he said, “I do not know about this. However, any discussion with us is generally considered safe and best if done in the country.”
BNP along with its like-minded parties have launched one-point demand to restore caretaker government for holding a free, fair and participatory polls in the country toppling the incumbent Awami League-led government.
