BNP keeps backup candidates ready

 The BNP is facing difficulties in finalising candidates for the upcoming municipal elections before the last date of withdrawal of candidates on December 13, as they have to keep backup candidates ready in case those nominated face administrative problems or police objections. “We have standby candidates, who have also submitted nominations for mayoral posts. If our nominated candidates are not allowed to contest the polls because of administrative reasons or police objections, we will replace them with the standby candidates,” said a senior BNP leader, preferring anonymity. “We will actually be able to finalise our candidates after the withdrawal of candidates and after sharing some mayoral posts with partners of the 20-Party Alliance,” he said. Party sources said some of the mayoral and councillor candidates have been forced to refrain from submitting their nominations, fearing pressure from the ruling party, administration and the police. The municipalities where the party’s official candidates could not submit their nominations include Feni, Moulavibazar and Savar, according to sources. BNP spokesperson Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon alleged that at least 33 councillor candidates in Feni and Porshurampur municipalities could not file their nominations because ruling party activists have fomented trouble. Citing a breach of the electoral code of conduct, he alleged that a ruling party lawmaker visited Betagi by helicopter, but the returning officer was not aware of this. “We hope the Election Commission will take necessary action against the violation of the election code of conduct,” he said.
BNP vice chairman Maj. (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed said, “Many of our candidates have submitted their nomination papers through their representatives as they are in prison. Again, many are on the run to evade police arrest.” Expressing apprehensions whether the elections will be held in a free and fair manner, the retired army official said the violation of the electoral code of conduct by the ruling party candidates proved that the polls would not be held impartially.
Replying to a question, he said the BNP has standby candidates ready in different municipalities in case the nominations of their official candidates are cancelled. “The party will take stern action against those who contest the elections challenging their official candidates,” he also warned. BNP assistant publicity secretary Imran Saleh Prince said the party needed more time to finalise its official candidates as the candidatures have to be scrutinised.

BNP keeps backup candidates ready

The BNP is facing difficulties in finalising candidates for the upcoming municipal elections before the last date of withdrawal of candidates on December 13, as they have to keep backup candidates ready in case those nominated face administrative problems or police objections. We have standby candidates, who have also submitted nominations for mayoral posts. If our nominated candidates are not allowed to contest the polls because of administrative reasons or police objections, we will replace them with the standby candidates, said a senior BNP leader, preferring anonymity. We will actually be able to finalise our candidates after the withdrawal of candidates and after sharing some mayoral posts with partners of the 20-Party Alliance, he said. Party sources said some of the mayoral and councillor candidates have been forced to refrain from submitting their nominations, fearing pressure from the ruling party, administration and the police. The municipalities where the partys official candidates could not submit their nominations include Feni, Moulavibazar and Savar, according to sources. BNP spokesperson Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon alleged that at least 33 councillor candidates in Feni and Porshurampur municipalities could not file their nominations because ruling party activists have fomented trouble. Citing a breach of the electoral code of conduct, he alleged that a ruling party lawmaker visited Betagi by helicopter, but the returning officer was not aware of this. We hope the Election Commission will take necessary action against the violation of the election code of conduct, he said. BNP vice chairman Maj. (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed said, Many of our candidates have submitted their nomination papers through their representatives as they are in prison. Again, many are on the run to evade police arrest. Expressing apprehensions whether the elections will be held in a free and fair manner, the retired army official said the violation of the electoral code of conduct by the ruling party candidates proved that the polls would not be held impartially. Replying to a question, he said the BNP has standby candidates ready in different municipalities in case the nominations of their official candidates are cancelled. The party will take stern action against those who contest the elections challenging their official candidates, he also warned. BNP assistant publicity secretary Imran Saleh Prince said the party needed more time to finalise its official candidates as the candidatures have to be scrutinised.