Khaleda might consider breaking off with Jamaat

BNP might someday decide on parting ways with the Jamaat-e-Islami, its Chairperson Khaleda Zia tells New York Times.

0

 

4

 

41

 

The American newspaper’s online version quoted her in a report published on Monday.It said the BNP Chairperson who has been ‘confined’ in her Gulshan home since Dec 29 was ready to hold discussions with the government but most of her leaders are behind bars or in hiding.“Yes, we are ready to discuss, but first, they have to create a more congenial atmosphere” she told the New York Times correspondent.About BNP’s ally in the 18-Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, she said, “With Jamaat, it’s not a permanent alliance.”When asked if there was a possibility her party could break off from the Jamaat, Khaleda said: “At this moment, I cannot, but when the time will come I will see.”

This the first time Khaleda Zia talked about the possibility of ending ties with anti-liberation group Jamaat-e-Islami ever since the two parties first joined hands in 1998.

The BNP Chairperson has been determined to keep the Jamaat in the Opposition coalition, despite appeals from various platforms and parties including Awami League to part ways in view of the party's pro-Pakistan role in 1971.

A day after the Jan 5 polls, Sheikh Hasina urged Khaleda to start a dialogue for a political consensus but insisted the BNP must part ways with the Jamaat and stop violence.

Khaleda on that very day told BBC Bangla service that BNP will not be dictated by anybody and pointed out that Awami League have used the Jamaat for achieving power.