With the upcoming national election approaching, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to give the “green signal” to its final candidates in 200 constituencies within this month. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the information while speaking to reporters at his residence in Gulshan on Friday (October 24).“Each constituency has several qualified aspirants. However, the final nominations will be determined through discussions with our alliance partners. Those who do not receive nominations will be evaluated and accommodated in other ways,” Salahuddin said.He added, “BNP will work together with the allies involved in the anti-fascist movement and other pro-democracy forces to implement the party’s 31-po int agenda. In forming both the alliance and the government, our partners will be given due importance. We also plan to allocate a reasonable number of seats to them.”
Regarding party leadership, Salahuddin stated, “Tarique Rahman maintains constant communication with party leaders and activists and seeks their opinions regularly. This is an important aspect of leadership. The nomination process is progressing based on these discussions.”
Speaking about talks with the National Citizen Party (NCP), he said, “Political discussions are ongoing with the NCP, but it remains to be seen whether BNP and NCP will eventually form an alliance.”
He further remarked, “If the alliance had been formed, the parties could contest under a common symbol of another political party. Most parties agreed to this provision, and we were optimistic about it. However, the way the Representation of the People Order (RPO) has been passed will discourage smaller parties from forming alliances.”
Meanwhile, BNP has withdrawn the expulsion order against seven leaders who were previously expelled for breaching party discipline and engaging in activities contrary to the party’s ideology. The decision was announced in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday.
According to the statement, the expelled leaders were: former BNP National Executive Committee member and former convenor of Bhaluka Upazila BNP in Mymensingh South District, Fakhruddin Ahmed Bachchu; former senior joint convenor of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP, Rakibul Uddin Sarkar Pappu; former joint convenor of Chattogram North District BNP, Nurul Amin Chairman; former convenor of Mathbaria Upazila BNP in Pirojpur District, Ruhul Amin Dulal; former president of Jaldhaka Upazila BNP in Nilphamari District, Fahmid Faisal Chowdhury Comet; former member of Rangpur District BNP, Mokarram Hossain Sujon; and former member of Rangpur District BNP, Md. Ali Sarkar.
The statement added that, following their appeals and in line with a party decision, the expulsion orders have been revoked, and their primary memberships and all organizational rights have been restored.