The BNP is considering to have multiple candidates selected in each constituency for the upcoming polls as part of the party’s strategy.
Senior party leaders said that as grassroots leaders have faced numerous cases against them during the Awami League regime, they believe having multiple candidates will provide flexibility and strength in each constituency.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. “If someone’s nomination is cancelled on legal grounds or other issues, it opens up a chance for another candidate. That’s why we are considering selecting multiple candidates,” said a standing committee member asking not to be named.
In the 2018 general election, the BNP nominated multiple candidates for each seat to ensure no seat would be left without a BNP candidate in case any nomination was cancelled by the ruling Awami League government, said party leaders.
Talking to reporters after paying homage to party founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said they are engaging with all qualified candidates in every constituency, as the party has more than one aspirant in most seats across the country.
The meetings are part of their efforts to ensure unity within the party and across the nation.
The party is considering forming a greater political alliance ahead of the next national election, in the spirit of national unity, he said.
“We are thinking of forming a broader alliance with the parties we have joined in simultaneous movements and with others so that together we can overcome the electoral hurdle,” he added.
Meanwhile, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman held joint meetings virtually with nomination seekers from the Rajshahi and Barishal divisions, followed by another joint meeting with candidates from Khulna and Sylhet divisions yesterday evening at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan.
Ahead of the polls, Tarique has instructed leaders to avoid any form of chaotic situations.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline within the party to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
Quoting Tarique, ARM Mamun, a nomination seeker from Jhenaidah-3 constituency, said: “Our leader’s instruction is to maintain a peaceful environment between the supporters of the two BNP nomination seeker groups.”
Around 20 nomination seekers attended the meeting across the three constituencies in his district, said Nazrul Islam Khan, convener of the Pirojpur BNP.
“Tarique Rahman directed leaders and workers not to express any excitement or celebrate after receiving the party ticket. He also instructed us to avoid causing any chaotic situations in the area ahead of the polls,” said Nazrul, who is also seeking the party ticket.
Nomination seekers from 39 constituencies in the Rajshahi division have been called to the Chairperson’s office, said Mizanur Rahman Minu, former mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation.
“The message we have received from the party is clear: stay united. We are fighting against a black hole, and in this battle, Tarique Rahman has instructed everyone to maintain unity to secure victory,” said BNP leader Kazi Rawnaqul Islam Tipu, who is seeking nomination from the Barishal-2 constituency.
BNP leader Nazim Uddin Alam, who is seeking nomination for Bhola-4, echoed the same.
After completing meetings with two divisions, Tarique then met with district leaders from the Khulna and Sylhet divisions. The meeting took place from 5:30pm to 6:45pm.
Abdul Quiyum Chowdhury, president of Sylhet BNP, who is seeking the nomination, said: “A conspiracy is underway against BNP. For this, everyone must work together in unity. There is no alternative. The party has instructed us to work for the nominated candidate.”
From 8:30pm to 9:30pm, Tarique held a meeting with the nomination aspirants of the Dhaka division.
He told them that the list of those selected to contest in the polls with the BNP ticket would be announced through a press note soon.
“We should not allow anyone to take advantage of our stubbornness,” said Shah Reazul Hannan, joint convener of Gazipur district BNP and a nomination seeker, quoting Tarique.
The BNP is a big party and differences of opinion are natural.
“But there will be many opportunities for party leaders and workers in the future,” he said.