The BNP top brass yesterday discussed a possible impeachment move against Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Abu Hena on charge of partiality’ in conducting the Pabna by-election.

BNP chairperson and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Khaleda Zia took stock of the overall situation of Thursday's by-polls in Pabna-2 constituency from the party leaders and lawmakers who had gone there to campaign for party candidate Selim Reza Habib.

Meeting sources told UNB they discussed 'a stance' that BNP participation in next elections would depend on the removal of the present CEC.

'The party will announce its stand shortly," said one of the leaders present in the meeting at 29 Minto Road in the evening.

Relieving the Deputy Commissioner of Pabna of his responsibility as returning officer was "just an eyewash." they viewed, alleging that the CEC failed to maintain neutrality in the election.

About extension of hartal, the sources said BNP had no plans for Sunday's shutdown in view of two occasions — Martyred Intellectuals Day the next day and Victory Day on December 16.

Present, among others, in the review meeting were BNP secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, joint secretaries general Ashraf Hossain and Haris Chowdhury. Mohammad Shahjahan MP. Amanullah Aman MP. Nazimuddin Alam MP. Golam Sarwar MP and Khairul Kabir Khokon.

Meanwhile. Jatiya Party (Z-M) co-chairman Kazi Zafar Ahmed and JAGPA president Shaflul Alam Prodhan, her alliance partners, met Begum Zia separately at her Minto Road official residence last night.

They exchanged views on prevailing political situation. Among others. BNP leader Sadeq Hossain Khoka and Amanullah Aman were present at that time.