Politics is not the only way to serve the country, says former MP Hashem

Partex Group boss MA Hashem, who had quit the party during the military-backed caretaker regime, has once again written to the party's leadership over his resignation.

In a letter to the BNP secretary general, the former MP from Noakhali said he has 'realised' politics is not the only way 'to serve the country and its people.'
 
Hashem, who heads one of Bangladesh's largest business conglomerates, joined the BNP before the 2001 national polls and was elected a lawmaker from Noakhali.
 
After the military-installed caretaker administration assumed office in 2007, Hashem along with other businessmen and politicians were arrested on charges of corruption.
 
He was accused of making windfalls gains using his political clout.   
 
After his release from prison on bail the next year, Hashem announced quitting the BNP.
 
He had also claimed  that BNP chief Khaleda Zia 'forced' her to join the party.
 
Hashem, who has not been active in politics for the last eight years, wrote to the party's leadership over his resignation on Sunday, the BNP said.
 
In the letter, the businessman claimed 'political activities were hindering his philanthropic activities.'
 
"That is why I resigned from the BNP's primary membership."