A total of 61 leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, a major partner in the BNP-led 20-Party Alliance, yesterday submitted nomination papers to contest the next polls, scheduled to be held on December 30.

A senior Jamaat leader, preferring anonymity, said the BNP had given the green signal to the Jamaat to contest in 25 seats. But 61 Jamaat leaders submitted the nomination papers as they had demanded more seats, he added.

The Jamaat leader said the Jamaat ameer, Maulana Makbul Ahmed, would not contest the elections due to his illness. Jamaat secretary general Dr Shafiqur Rahman submitted the nomination paper to contest the polls from Dhaka-15, its nayebe ameers Maulana Abdus Sobhan from Pabna-2 and Prof. Mujibur Rahman from Chapainawabganj-1.

Besides, Masud Sayeedi, son of the war crime convict Maulana Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, submitted his nomination to take part in the December 30 election from Pirojpur-1. Jamaat assistant secretary general Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher did so to contest from Cumilla-4, Hamidur Rahman Azad from Cox’s Bazar-2, Maulana Abdul Khaleque from Panchagarh-1, Maulana Ataur Rahman from Rajshahi-1, Prof. Golam Porwar from Khulna-3, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad from Khulna-2 and Barrister Mominul, son of Motiur Rahman Nizami, from Pabna-1 constituencies.

Another senior leader said the Jamaat candidates could not take part in the election with the BNP’s poll symbol, sheaf of paddy, as party has lost its registration following higher court verdicts.