Both Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Khaleda will contest from Bogura-7 (Gabtoli–Shajahanpur) constituency while Tarique from Bogura-6 (Sadar) seat.
Two BNP delegations collected the nomination papers on Sunday on behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
One delegation, led by district BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha collected nomination for Tarique while another delegation led by chairperson’s adviser and Bogura-7 constituency election coordinator Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected nomination for Khaleda.
Nomination papers were collected from the Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Toufiqul Rahman. A large number of leaders and activists of the district BNP and its affiliated organisations were present.
After collecting the nomination paper on behalf of Tarique, Rezaul Karim Badsha said the BNP’s acting chairman will contest the election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency “is a matter of pride” for them.
He hoped that the people of Bogura would ensure his victory by giving him the highest number of votes.
Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu said they that their leader, Tarique Rahman, is returning to the country, and after his return, the nomination papers will be submitted following discussions with him.
Party sources said former prime minister Khaleda Zia has contested elections from two constituencies of this district—Bogura-6 and Bogura-7—since 1991, long known as stronghold of the party.
In the upcoming election, along with Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman has also been nominated in this electoral area.
After 17 years of exile, Tarique is returning to the country from London on 25 December.
Meanwhile, BNP’s many prospective candidates also collected nomination papers in various districts across the country. However, the party could not provide a final figure on how many candidates have collected nomination papers.
Over the past few days, the party high command held meetings at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan with prospective candidates from 272 constituencies. After the meetings, many of them were given documents as final nomination papers. Upon receiving the papers signed by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the prospective candidates collected nomination forms.
The last date for collecting and submitting nomination papers is 29 December. Voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on 12 February.
Earlier on 3 November, BNP Secretary General announced the names of 237 final candidates in the first phase. In the second phase on 4 December, the party announced prospective candidates in 36 constituencies. Out of 300 constituencies, BNP has so far published a list of prospective candidates for 272 constituencies, with 28 constituencies still remaining.
