The BNP is set to issue final nomination letters to its party candidates for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to sources, this process may begin within the next day or two. It has been learned that one candidate per constituency will be issued a letter for symbol allocation.
The party letter will be signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. However, there may be a slight delay as he has suddenly fallen ill. Candidates will submit this party letter to the respective election officers’ offices to obtain the “Sheaf of Paddy” election symbol. Notably, the BNP has given preliminary nominations in 273 of the 300 constituencies.
Sources say there are indications that some “controversial candidates” announced earlier in certain constituencies may be replaced. For the third consecutive day yesterday, day-long closed-door meetings were held with 90 candidates from the Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, and Faridpur divisions at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Toward the end of the meeting in the evening, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined virtually from London.
According to meeting sources, plans were presented on eight key issues: family cards, farmer cards, sports development, improving the social status and living standards of khatibs, imams, and muezzins, protection of rivers, canals, wetlands, and the environment, the health sector, education and skilled manpower development, and building a corruption-free Bangladesh. Instructions were given to use these eight points in election campaigning, explaining how the BNP would implement them if it comes to power.
Although termed a meeting, it effectively turned into a workshop. Various aspects of how to conduct campaigns on social media were discussed and guidance was provided. Candidates were briefed on how to distribute voter lists at the polling-center and constituency levels and how to reach voters effectively. They were also advised on how to clearly present the party’s 31-point reform plan for restructuring the state. In addition, instructions were given on filling out nomination forms, complying with the election code of conduct, and cooperating with the government and law-enforcement agencies. The BNP also collected nomination fees from its candidates.
Addressing the meeting, Tarique Rahman said that conspiracies surrounding the election are still ongoing. Some quarters are trying to delay or stop the election altogether. He said these conspiracies, originating from various groups, can only be resisted by the BNP. He urged candidates to go door to door in their constituencies, stand by the people, and present the eight-point agenda and 31-point reform plan in detail. He emphasized that victory for the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol must be ensured this time, warning that failure to do so would put the country’s independence and sovereignty at risk.
BNP candidate for Lakshmipur-1, Shahadat Hossain Selim, said this was not just an exchange meeting but more like a training session. Experts spoke on the eight-point election agenda, and guidance was given on how to use social media, how to seek votes, and how to conduct election campaigns. Candidates were also taught how to properly fill out nomination forms.
BNP candidate for Sylhet-3, Mohammad Abdul Malik, said instructions were given to cooperate with the government while complying with election laws. Candidates were advised to reach out to people in their constituencies and to confront all conspiracies together with public support.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
