Withdraw nomination before deadline, or face action: BNP to rebel candidates

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan today expressed hope that the party’s rebel candidates will withdraw from the race within the deadline set in the election schedule, warning that otherwise the party will take organisational action.

“The withdrawal period has not ended yet. We have asked them to respect the party's decision and withdraw their nomination papers. We hope they will withdraw,” he said while talking to reporters after inaugurating a photo show on late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

Nazrul also said many rebels have already informed the party that they will quit. “I think the situation will improve within the withdrawal timeframe.”

The exhibition was organised by the 'Bogura Media and Cultural Society (BMCS)', a platform of journalists and cultural activists from Bogura working in Dhaka.

Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, inaugurated the exhibition, walked around the venue and appreciated the organisers.

He said Khaleda Zia left behind her son Tarique Rahman as her successor, whom he described as the “most popular political figure” in the country at present.

“We believe that people want to see positive changes in the country through him. That is why there is so much expectation and emotion among people about him,” the BNP leader said, adding that Tarique Rahman will move forward by upholding the ideals of his father, late president Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

"Tarique Rahman has already said that he will begin from where his mother left off. We think the country and the people will benefit only if he can take forward what Khaleda Zia did for the nation and the motherland. We hope we will receive cooperation from everyone, including the media, in this effort," he said.

Responding to a question about the recent killing of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader, Nazrul said good initiatives often face obstacles. "In any good initiative, there are enemies. Those who work for the country and its sovereignty also face enemies."

The BNP leader said that maintaining law and order is essential for a fair election and urged the government to remain active and strategic.

"There are forces that do not want the election now, do not want a democratic transition. They will try to create instability," the BNP leader said, expressing hope that the government will take appropriate steps to improve the law and order situation.

Asked about BNP's election manifesto, Nazrul said a committee is working on it, and it will be announced soon.