"They (BNP) had expelled me, I did not leave the party. I would be automatically reinstated in the party once the expulsion is withdrawn," Hena told The Daily Star last night.

"The BNP chairperson called me on Monday night at Hawa Bhaban and discussed the matter. Accordingly, I have submitted nomination form of the party," he said.

He will face the party parliamentary board today for the party ticket to contest the election from Bagmara, known for infamous Bangla Bhai's violent activities.

Asked about his joining the LDP, he said, "I did not join...Only my name was there."

About his remarks on militancy and several BNP leaders including former minister Aminul Haque, Hena said, "I told BNP chairperson that I spoke the truth on militancy, and she told me that BNP government has taken proper action."

He went on, "Now he (Aminul Haque) is not a factor at all as he is no longer a minister. He is simply a party activist now, so I have nothing to say on him."

Earlier in an interview with the The Daily Star soon after his expulsion from the party, he had said, "The two ministers of Jamaat and Jamaat's man in the BNP Post and Telecommunications Minister Aminul Haque are doing everything for the militants."

On November 24 last year, the BNP expelled lawmaker Hena for his remarks on the rise of Islamist militants under direct patronage of a section of the party and government leaders, terming his statement anti-organisational.

"The leaders who worked to have me expelled from the party are in favour of the militants," he said in the interview.

"Militancy started to spread throughout the country soon after Jamaat-e-Islami had come to power, riding on the BNP," he said. "They [militants] in fact did not exist four years ago."

He had alleged, "Jamaat's alliance with the BNP in 2001 had encouraged the spread of militancy."

Explaining his observations, Hena had said at that time the objectives of Jamaat and the militant groups are the same, and it is to 'establish Islamic rule'.

"Jamaat leaders know it well that the militants are pursuing their agenda. So, they do not object to militant activities," he said. Another component of the then ruling coalition --Islami Oikya Jote-- might as well be patronising the militants.