BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury has resigned from all posts of the party citing health reasons.

“Addressing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, I submitted my resignation letter to the party’s acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday” Mobin told The Daily Star this morning. 

He said, “I am resigning from the party as I have been suffering from various illnesses including prostate cancer along with eye and leg problems.”

“I was seriously wounded in the Bangladesh War of Liberation. I had to undergo major medical treatment both at home and abroad over the years. At present my health condition has further deteriorated,” the valiant freedom fighter said in his resignation letter floated for media today.

“In view of my prevailing health condition, I have decided to retire from the politics with immediate effect. In the light of my decision to retire, I hereby also resign from all posts of the BNP,” the letter read.

“As a freedom fighter, subject to my health condition, I shall always endeavour to work for the welfare of the people and the nation while upholding the values of our glorious War of Liberation,” he added.

While addressing a press conference in the afternoon, Mobin said, “Along with many people, I question this as well. How much BNP has been able to stick to the ideology and values of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Zia formed BNP on the basis of a constructive ideology.” Mobin said.

People want to see fair politics in the country. They don’t want politics of violence, politics of torture and repression, he added.

“I think massive changes should come in the political values and political behaviour for fair and constructive politics in the country.”

Mobin was made foreign secretary during BNP-Jamaat-led four-party regime between 2001 and 2005.

After serving as Bangladesh ambassador in the US, Mobin formally took part in BNP politics during Fakhruddin Ahmed-led army-backed caretaker government in 2008.

Later, BNP made him vice chairman of the party through holding a national convention of the party in 2009.