Back-up kept in almost all seats

The BNP picked two candidates for almost every constituency as it started handing out nomination letters to aspirants for 240 seats yesterday.

The strategy was adopted as the party's policymakers think there could be some exclusion during the scrutiny by returning officers, and if one is disqualified, the backup candidate may run for the polls from the constituency.

The other 60 seats were reserved for allies including the components of the Jatiya Oikyafront, and the 20-party combine led by the BNP.

In nominating candidates, the BNP gave priority to those who had contested the national elections in 2001 and 2008 on party ticket.

As the party high-command faced an uphill task of selecting around 500 prospective candidates from more than 4,500 aspirants, some controversial figures got the ticket for the 11th parliamentary polls. 

It nominated Aminul Huq, Nadim Mustafa and Mizanur Rahman Minu of Rajshahi, Alamgir Kabir of Naogaon; Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu of Natore, who allegedly patronised militancy in their areas during the 2001-06 rule of the BNP-led alliance.

These political leaders, the then ministers or lawmakers, reportedly had deep links to Islamist militants in the region.

Of them, former minister Aminul Huq was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 31 years and six months for aiding and abetting militants.

Interestingly, Abu Hena from Rajshahi, who was expelled from the party for his anti-militancy remarks, rejoined it and got nomination.

The party also nominated Faisal Alim, son of war criminal Abdul Alim, who was sentenced to imprisonment till death for offences during the Liberation War.

Former Awami League lawmaker Golam Mawla Roni of Patuakhali-3 got BNP's nomination soon after joining the party yesterday.

Those who got the party ticket will have to file nomination papers with returning officers by tomorrow, the last date for submission.

The party will finalise candidates for the constituencies before the December 9 deadline for withdrawing candidacy expires.

This strategy, however, also creates a sense of uncertainty among aspirants as they are not sure about who will finally stand for the December 30 election.

The BNP yesterday began distributing nomination letters among aspirants in three divisions -- Rajshahi, Rangpur and Barishal -- which constitute 93 seats.

Besides, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan got party nomination for Khagrachhari-1, Salahuddin Ahmed for Cox's Bazar-4, his wife Haseena Ahmed for Cox's Bazar-1, singer Kanak Chapa for Sirajganj-1 and singer Baby Nazneen for Nilphamari-4.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir breaks down in tears at a press briefing at the party central office, saying that the party is going to participate in a general election for the first time with its Chairperson Khaleda Zia in jail. Photo: Amran Hossain

A huge number of party leaders, activists and supporters began to swarm the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan in the morning.

Around noon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir started to hand out the nomination letters, with local leaders of Bogura collecting the papers for party chief Khaleda Zia for two seats -- Bogura-6 and 7.

Before distributing the letters, Fakhrul broke down in tears as he started speaking at a press briefing, lamenting the absence of Khaleda, who has been in jail since February 8 being convicted in a graft case.

"We are going to polls when our party chief Khaleda Zia is in jail," he said in an emotion-choked voice. He then paused for more than a minute.

Other leaders present at the briefing were also seen in tears.

Since Khaleda joined politics in 1982 after the assassination of her husband Ziaur Rahman, this is the first time the BNP is contesting the polls without the party chief's active participation in the electioneering.

Under her leadership, the party took part in a vigorous movement against military dictator HM Ershad in the 80s and contested five parliamentary elections since 1991. She led her party to victory in three general elections.

But this time, her participation in the polls from three constituencies -- two in Bogura and one in Feni -- still hangs in the balance as she has been convicted in two corruption cases.

Her lawyers have already filed appeals with the higher courts challenging the conviction. They believe she will be able to contest the December 30 polls.

Wiping off tears, Fakhrul at the press briefing explained why the party is participating in the polls despite the “biased role of the Election Commission”.

There is no atmosphere for a free and fair election, he said, adding "But still, we will join the election."

The party will contest the election to restore people's voting right and democracy as it is possible to “bring back democracy” through the polls, he further said.

BNP AGAINST 'AL' SLOGAN

The BNP yesterday demanded Election Commission's intervention in stopping the use of what it said was an Awami League slogan in executive orders.

In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, Fakhrul said the use of the slogan -- “Unnayaner Ganatantra, Sheikh Hasina'r Mulmantra (Democracy for development is Sheikh Hasina's vision)” -- in different government papers was a violation of the electoral rules.

A BNP delegation, led by Bijon Kanti Sarker, submitted the letter to the CEC's office.