BNP MP-elect Jahidur Rahman Jahid ignoring all threats of expulsion from the party took oath as Member of Parliament on Thursday.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury administered the oath at a ceremony in
her office in the Parliament.
After taking oath, Jahid said that he knew that his party might expel him for this.
“Our party asked us (elected MPs) not to take the oath. But I think the voters elected me as their representative in the Parliament. It is their expectation that I take oath and take responsibility of my constituency and the country. So I have taken oath finally,” Jahid told the journalists.
On the other hand, BNP threatened to take stern action against Jahid.
“If any lawmaker takes oath defying the party’s decision, BNP will take organisational step in this regard. As Jahidur Rahman has taken oath as a member of the 11th Parliament, the party will take step against him,” BNP Standing Committee Member Goyeswar Chandra Roy told the journalists.
“Jahidur Rahman might be expelled from the party after being served a show cause notice on the party’s disciplinary grounds,” he said.
The BNP senior leader said, “The matter of Jahid’s taking oath as a MP is his personal decision, but those who take such decision cheating with people’s vote, they are public enemies.”
Replying to a query, Jahid said, “As I disobeyed the party’s direction and took oath, the party might expel me. Even if I get expelled, I will stay beside BNP. Because, I am in the party for last 38 years. I never left the party.”
“BNP never won in this constituency after the independence until this time. This is the fourth time I contested in the election from here and finally voters elected me. So I think it is better decision for me and my voters to join the Parliament,” he said.
Replying to a query, Jahid said he had discussed with his party about joining the Parliament, but got no approval.
BNP’s decision not to join the Parliament is final till now, he added.
“I think we cannot do anything staying out of Parliament for long. In such circumstances, I will speak in Parliament for the release of my leader (Khaleda Zia). She is an elderly woman aged 73 years. For the sake of democracy, I will press for her release. This is my vow as a lawmaker,” Jahid said.
BNP led Jatiya Oikyafront got eight seats in the last national polls. Of the total, Gonoforum, a component party in the Jatiya Oikyafront, got two seats while BNP got six seats.
Both the MP’s of Gonoforum have taken oath as a lawmaker, though the alliance decided not to take oath. The alliance alleged widespread rigging in the December 30s polls.
