No atmosphere for election: BNP

Major political opposition BNP has alleged, there is no atmosphere of election in the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir placed the allegation today while starting the nomination form sale of BNP’s election candidate aspirants.

“If the government fails to create an atmosphere for elections, then we (BNP) will be compelled to reconsider our decision,” Fakhrul said.

“Participating in the election is part of our movement strategy. We will free our Chairperson Khaleda Zia through our united movement,” Fakhrul said.

Fakhrul himself collected the nomination form of Thakurgaon-1 constituency.

EXPELLED LEADERS REJOIN

About a dozen leaders expelled from BNP including Tanvir Ahmed Siddique have been taken back by the party.

Insiders within the BNP confirmed of the development and said they were expelled due to various disciplinary issues.

WHEN IS THE ELECTION?

The Election Commission announced the election schedule on November 8.

According to the date, the national election – the 11th Jatiya Sangsad polls – will be held on December 23.

According to the schedule, the last date for filing nomination papers for candidacy is November 19. The returning officers will scrutinise the nomination papers on November 22 while the last date for withdrawing candidacy is November 29.

IS EVERYONE PARTICIPATING?

Chief Election Commissioner has said that there is a congenial atmosphere in the country – echoing the words of the ruling party.

However, major opposition alliances like the Jatiya Oikyafront, which includes BNP, and the Bikalpa Dhara-led Juktafront have sought for delaying the schedule.

Until thus far, it seems that the coming parliamentary election will not be the “non-participatory election” that was its predecessor.

All the major political parties are gearing up to contest in the election and there have been no threats of a boycott or withdrawal unlike the last time.

WHERE IS KHALEDA?

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is in jail since February 23.

She landed in jail over Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, where she was initially given a five-year term, and later an extended 10-year-term following appeal.

Khaleda also stands convicted in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case, where she has been given seven years in imprisonment.