BNP begins candidate selection for next polls

Reza Mahmud :

Despite the interim government’s reluctance to announce a roadmap for the next general election, the BNP is actively preparing for the national polls through a series of programmes.

Party insiders have revealed that the BNP high command has devised a strategy to engage the entire nation in the election process. As part of this plan, the party has already begun internal preparations, including the selection of MP candidates for all parliamentary seats.

In recent weeks, the BNP’s highest policymaking body, the National Standing Committee, has held several meetings to discuss priorities and strategise for the upcoming election. During these discussions, they decided to intensify their demands for a prompt election.

The BNP leadership has alleged that certain groups, both domestic and international, are conspiring to push Bangladesh into a prolonged crisis by obstructing the democratic process.

At various political events, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has repeatedly claimed that conspiracies are underway to derail democracy.

Furthermore, the party has criticised the interim government’s reform initiatives, arguing that delays in implementing reforms are negatively impacting the electoral process.

In response, the BNP has launched multi-faceted efforts to mobilise public opinion in favour of an early election. The party is also working to secure the support of key development partners on the issue.

When contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain told The New Nation, “The entire nation is eagerly awaiting the national election, as there is no alternative to restoring democracy in the country.”

The senior leader stressed that electoral reforms are essential, but they are an ongoing process that should continue even after an elected government is established. He also claimed that Bangladesh’s development partners support the BNP’s call for an election roadmap without further delay.

Similarly, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told The New Nation, “The BNP has always been prepared to participate in elections.”

He emphasised that BNP activists have remained engaged with the people for the past 15 years. He cited the party’s relief efforts during recent floods, where BNP members assisted affected communities across several districts, as well as their distribution of warm clothing during the winter.

Additionally, the BNP has provided financial assistance to families affected by the July uprising, Alal added.

BNP leaders maintain that all their initiatives are aimed at the welfare of the country and its people, and they believe this will garner public support for the party. They assert that their ongoing activities demonstrate their readiness for the national polls at any time.