BNP should join polls under int’l mediation: Maj (Retd) Hafiz
Staff Reporter :
BNP Vice-Chairman Major (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed has said BNP should join the next national election under the mediation of the international community.
“I think, the BNP should participate in the next general election under the mediation of the international community. If the BNP do such, I will join the polls,” Hafizuddin Ahmed said journalists on Tuesday.
The senior BNP leader said it amidst speculations that he may quit the party immediately.
Hafizuddin Ahmed, however, said he is still observing the political situation and he will go abroad for treatment as he is sick.
“I am ill now physically. So, I’m not seriously thinking about politics now,” he said.
While the journalists drawn his attention to the ruling party leaders’ comment that he is going to join or form a new political party, the BNP leader declined to make any comment on it.
“I don’t want to say anything more about the matter. I only can say that I am observing the political situation…I am physically ill. I am not thinking about politics right now,” the veteran politician said.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a 79-year-old retired military officer turned politician, received treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) two months back for his various health complications.
He said he is preparing to go to Singapore for receiving treatment as he is still ill. “I will apply for a visa to go Singapore immediately,” he said.
Major (retd) Hafiz fought the 1971 Liberation War under the first military brigade of Bangladesh Armed Forces, ‘Z Force’, led by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. He was awarded the third highest heroism award in Bangladesh, Bir Bikram, for his courageous role in the war.
After retiring from the army, Hafiz joined politics and he was elected MP six times from Bhola-3 (Lalmohan-Tajumuddin).
The senior leader served as the Water Resources Minister as BNP formed government in 2001. Hafiz has been there in the post of BNP vice-chairman for over a decade.
On December 14, 2015, BNP served Hafiz with a show-cause notice, for violating party discipline.
Later at a press conference, he termed untrue the allegations mentioned in the show-cause notice served on him.
