File photo of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka TribuneOn Thursday Jahidur Rahman from Thakurgaon 3 became the first BNP lawmaker in the 11th National Parliament. Although BNP claimed that its decision was part of political strategy several political commentators claimed that BNP went in the parliament after intra party negotiation to save Khaleda Zia from serving lifelong jail term. However he claimed that he has no idea about negotiation with ruling Awami League and BNP over BNP’s join in the parliament. He said Awami League has always been positive about BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s parole in-exchange for BNP’s lawmakers joining in Parliament. When contacted, Awami League joint General Secretary Abdur Rahman said Awami League did not pressure BNP into joining the Parliament and they came on their own volition.

Source: Dhaka Tribune April 30, 2019 15:11 UTC