Rejection of Khaleda's nomination indicates a level-playing field

Awami League leader Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan yesterday said the cancellation of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's nomination papers proves that a level-playing field is prevailing in the country for the upcoming general election.

“This proves that all are equal in the eyes of the law... This also proves that a level playing field exists in Bangladesh,” the presidium member of AL told reporters after a meeting with the Election Commission. “Law will not be different for any person no matter he or she is the chief of a political party.”

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All nominations of Khaleda cancelled

Earlier, a 10-member delegation of the ruling Awami League led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Political Adviser HT Imam held a meeting with the commission.

Emerging from the meeting, HT Imam said the BNP chief's nomination papers have been rejected by the returning officer. “It's not a matter of any political party chief, it's about a convicted person. There has been no deviation of law in this case,” he said.

HT Imam also alleged that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a rally at Syedpur Airport, which is a violation of the electoral code and a punishable offence.

“We have been observing that provocative speeches targeting the EC and the government are being delivered. I call upon all to show restraint and assist the EC to hold a free and fair election as this election is going to be a participatory one,” he said.

Khaleda's nomination papers for Feni-1, Bogura-6 and seven constituencies were rejected due to her conviction in two corruption cases.