BNP Focused on Election Prep; May Announce Candidates for 200 Seats This Month
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently heavily engaged in preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to relevant sources, the BNP is likely to announce single candidates for at least 200 constituencies sometime in the first half of November. This list was originally planned for release in October, but was postponed due to political considerations and situational factors.
Candidate Announcement Delay
Regarding the delay, BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed told Jugantor:
“The finalization of single candidates was supposed to happen towards the end of October. That did not happen. Let’s see. We have requested a list from our coalition partners. That will also take some time to finalize.”
Sources indicate that the announcement of single candidates, for whom a ‘green signal’ was expected in October, was delayed due to the crisis surrounding the recommendations for implementing the July National Charter. It is now anticipated that the single candidates may be announced sometime in the first half of this month. Some sources suggest that a Standing Committee meeting is scheduled for next Monday, and the final list might be announced a day or two after that meeting.
BNP’s Stance on Political Turmoil
Several BNP leaders complained that a particular group is plotting to escalate the situation over the July National Charter and the referendum issue. They claim that some influential individuals within the government, besides a few political parties, might be involved. However, the BNP has resolved not to fall for any provocation and currently has no plans to announce any protest programs in the field.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir commented on the ongoing political crisis to Jugantor:
“The Interim Government and the Consensus Commission have created a crisis. But I believe this crisis will pass. The people of this country are never defeated; they have not surrendered and will not surrender.”
He continued: “We are going through a very difficult time. This time is a test for us. The BNP will proceed with maximum patience. We want the Interim Government to focus on organizing the parliamentary election by resolving the controversy created by the July National Charter and the recommendations for its implementation.”
