BNP calls MP Zahid ‘an enemy of the people’ as he takes oath defying party

The BNP has called the party’s Thakurgaon leader Zahidur Rahman Zahid ‘an enemy of the people’ after he takes oath as an MP defying the party.

“Those who took oath or will take oath disregarding the party decision are the enemy of the people,” said BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy at a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday.

He made the comments hours after Zahid was sworn in the parliament.

"Our party's decision is that we will not join parliament. Whoever disagrees with the decision will not be considered as a member of the party," said the BNP standing committee member.

Bangladesh Mufassil Sangbadik Forum arranged the human-chain programme demanding the release of BNP chief Khaleda Zia from jail.

Speaking to reporters after his swearing-in, Zahid said, “I took the oath going beyond the party’s decision. The party could expel me for this action. Even if I get expelled, I will stay beside the BNP.”

In the Dec 30 parliamentary elections, Zahid was elected as the lawmaker from the Thakurgaon-3 under the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol.

The Jatiya Oikya Front, which includes the BNP, rejected the results of the polls alleging widespread rigging and called for a new general election.

Ignoring the alliance’s decision, two Gono Forum leaders – Sultan Muhammed Mansur Ahmed and Mokobbir Khan – have taken the oath.