Syed Ehsanul Huda, chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, joined BNP on Monday, dissolving his own party.

He, along with his party leaders and workers, formally joined BNP around 4:40pm at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office by presenting a bouquet to its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Welcoming Huda and his colleagues, Fakhrul said the joining reflected trust in the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and confidence in the political philosophy of party founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

He said Huda closely worked with BNP in the long movement for democracy. “Today Ehsanul Huda and the leaders and activists of his party have officially joined BNP.”

Fakhrul expressed hope that their joining would strengthen BNP. “This will make our democratic movement stronger and help us move forward. We hope their involvement will also play a positive role in the coming election.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said he has been working with Huda for a long time as his party was a partner of the simultaneous movement. “It will now be easier for us to work together in the same party. I hope Huda and his party colleagues will strengthen BNP and the struggle for democracy.”

Huda said the country is going through a critical period. “We fought for the people and democracy together earlier. There are now attempts to foil the upcoming election. At this time, I am dissolving my party and joining BNP.”

Huda also said he has joined BNP to strengthen the hands of Tarique Rahman.

He said he dissolved Bangladesh Jatiya Dal and joined BNP along with all leaders and activists of his party.

At the programme, Huda filled out the party’s primary membership form and officially joined BNP.

According to BNP sources, Huda is going to contest the upcoming parliamentary election from Kishoreganj-5 constituency with BNP’s ticket.