BNP deepens polls preparations
Reza Mahmud :
As the next national election is nearing, the major political party of Bangladesh the BNP has gear up its efforts of polls preparations inside and outsides, insiders said.
Sources said, as per the party high-ups plan the BNP trying to finalise their nominations sharply. In this regard, the party gives importance on popularity and contributions of the aspirant MP candidates.
The party central leaders are passing busy times of selecting the candidacies sitting with the aspirants of every division separately.
The party high command has taken strategies of keeping sharp eyes on the probable contenders from the rival political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami across the country.
As per the plan the BNP also engaged with the government and the election commission for creating environment of conducting acceptable election in February.
When contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed told The New Nation, “As the largest political party the BNP is always ready to participate in election. For the next general polls, our party is searching suitable candidates in every constituency.”
He said, as a large party there is more than single aspirants MP candidates in almost every seats, it is simple. But after announcing final candidacy, all of the leaders will be unite and will work for the party symbol the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.
Party Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal also echoed the similar expressions while talking with The New Nation.
Alal said, “When our Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman is announced the nominations all of the party men will obey and stand with firm unity.”
Meanwhile, talking with journalists, Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said the party will give the ‘green signal’ to single candidates in 200 constituencies within this October.
He shared this information on Friday while talking to journalists at his residence in Gulshan, in the capital.
“BNP will give the green signal to single candidates in 200 constituencies within this month so that they can start work on the ground. There are multiple qualified candidates for every constituency. Final nominations will be determined after discussions with allied parties. Those who do not receive nominations will still have opportunities for assessment in other ways,” he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We agreed with several provisions of the RPO (Representation of the People Order) amendment. However, under subsection 20(1), if a party joined an alliance, it could contest the election under another party’s symbol-most parties agreed on changing this provision. We were assured, but the way the RPO was passed, smaller parties will not be encouraged to form alliances. As a result, senior leaders of smaller parties will lose opportunities.”
The Standing Committee member also said that BNP has agreed to a ‘No’ vote in constituencies with a single candidate to ensure that no one wins unopposed.
He also mentioned that the party plans to submit a formal letter to the Election Commission raising objections to the RPO amendment.
Regarding party leadership, Salahuddin said, “Tarique Rahman is in constant contact with party activists day and night.”
On alliance politics, he said, “Discussions are ongoing with all parties. There is also communication with NCP. However, nothing can be said about alliance formation yet; talks are continuing.”
Apart from these, the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said BNP is not concerned about Jamaat-e-Islami’s efforts to form an electoral alliance with certain Islamist parties.
He, however said, the party will take political measures if anyone attempts to exploit religion in the upcoming national elections, said BNP.
In an interview with UNB, Fakhrul also suggested the possibility of including the National Citizen Party (NCP) in BNP’s electoral coalition, emphasizing that the party is open to partnering with all democratic forces-even Jamaat-as part of its strategy to establish a national government after the elections.