Oikyafront to go with sheaf of paddy

All Jatiya Oikyafront partners will take part in the general election with a common symbol, the BNP's "sheaf of paddy". "We have decided that all parties in the fold of the Jatiya Oikyafront will contest the election with a common election symbol. This common symbol is the 'sheaf of paddy'," said Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna after a meeting of the opposition alliance. Replying to a question on Wednesday's clash between the police and BNP activists at Nayapaltan, Manna said the incident had taken place due to government provocations.

He accused Awami League (AL) leader HT Imam of threatening the Election Commission (EC) with his comment that the polls cannot be delayed even for an hour.

Manna alleged that the government does not want the Oikyafront to join the elections, but asserted that they would take part in the polls, overcoming all odds and obstacles.

He further said the Oikyafront would continue to press for deferment of the elections.

The BNP and some registered and unregistered political parties formed the Oikyafront on October 13 and placed seven-point demands, including release of Khaleda Zia, dissolution of Parliament and holding polls under a neutral government.

The other political parties are the Gano Forum, JSD, Nagarik Oikya and Krishak Sramik Janata League and the Jatiya Oikya Prokriya.

The Oikyafront held talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 1 and 7. Having failed to reach a consensus, the

Oikyafront, on October 11, decided to participate in the polls as part of its movement, despite, what it called, an adverse situation.

The Oikyafront partners have informed the EC that they would take part in the polls with a common symbol, the “sheaf of paddy”.

As part of its scheduled programme, the Oikyafront will hold a view exchange meeting with editors of national dailies at Hotel Lakeshore in the city at 3:00pm today.

BNP partners in the 20-party alliance earlier said they would also take part in the election with the “sheaf of paddy”. The 20-party coordinator, Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed, yesterday alleged that the government does not want the 20-party alliance to take part in the elections.

Speaking at a press meet of the 20-Party Alliance at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Oli Ahmed expressed doubts about a free and fair polls in the prevailing situation.

He said it would depend on government if they would take part in the polls, as the EC lacks control over the government.

Oli Ahmed, also president of the LDP, accused the police of attacking BNP leaders and activists on Wednesday without any provocation.

He recalled that the Premier had assured them of withdrawing false and fictitious cases filed against the opposition leaders and activists, but more false and fictitious cases were filed after her assurance.

Leaders of the 20-Party Alliance were present at the press conference.

On the fourth day, the BNP yesterday sold 402 nomination forms among aspirants from the party’s central office. With this, the party has sold 4,112 nomination forms against 300 constituencies.

Oikyafront to go with sheaf of paddy

All Jatiya Oikyafront partners will take part in the general election with a common symbol, the BNPs sheaf of paddy. We have decided that all parties in the fold of the Jatiya Oikyafront will contest the election with a common election symbol. This common symbol is the sheaf of paddy, said Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna after a meeting of the opposition alliance. Replying to a question on Wednesdays clash between the police and BNP activists at Nayapaltan, Manna said the incident had taken place due to government provocations. He accused Awami League (AL) leader HT Imam of threatening the Election Commission (EC) with his comment that the polls cannot be delayed even for an hour. Manna alleged that the government does not want the Oikyafront to join the elections, but asserted that they would take part in the polls, overcoming all odds and obstacles. He further said the Oikyafront would continue to press for deferment of the elections. The BNP and some registered and unregistered political parties formed the Oikyafront on October 13 and placed seven-point demands, including release of Khaleda Zia, dissolution of Parliament and holding polls under a neutral government. The other political parties are the Gano Forum, JSD, Nagarik Oikya and Krishak Sramik Janata League and the Jatiya Oikya Prokriya. The Oikyafront held talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 1 and 7. Having failed to reach a consensus, the Oikyafront, on October 11, decided to participate in the polls as part of its movement, despite, what it called, an adverse situation. The Oikyafront partners have informed the EC that they would take part in the polls with a common symbol, the sheaf of paddy. As part of its scheduled programme, the Oikyafront will hold a view exchange meeting with editors of national dailies at Hotel Lakeshore in the city at 3:00pm today. BNP partners in the 20-party alliance earlier said they would also take part in the election with the sheaf of paddy. The 20-party coordinator, Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed, yesterday alleged that the government does not want the 20-party alliance to take part in the elections. Speaking at a press meet of the 20-Party Alliance at the BNP chairpersons Gulshan office, Oli Ahmed expressed doubts about a free and fair polls in the prevailing situation. He said it would depend on government if they would take part in the polls, as the EC lacks control over the government. Oli Ahmed, also president of the LDP, accused the police of attacking BNP leaders and activists on Wednesday without any provocation. He recalled that the Premier had assured them of withdrawing false and fictitious cases filed against the opposition leaders and activists, but more false and fictitious cases were filed after her assurance. Leaders of the 20-Party Alliance were present at the press conference. On the fourth day, the BNP yesterday sold 402 nomination forms among aspirants from the partys central office. With this, the party has sold 4,112 nomination forms against 300 constituencies.