BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said the party’s rebel candidates must withdraw their nominations within the deadline, or they will face organisational action.
He stated, “The time for withdrawal of nomination papers is not over. We have called upon the rebel candidates to respect the party’s decision and withdraw their nomination papers. We hope they will withdraw. Many have already indicated they will.
“I believe the situation will improve significantly within the coming days. Otherwise, the party will take organisational measures against them.”
Nazrul made the remarks in response to questions from journalists on Friday afternoon after an event in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, featuring a photographic exhibition on the life of party’s late Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Nazrul said, “The party is observing those within its ranks who have become candidates against the party’s decision. In a large party like ours, there are many qualified candidates. Some may feel that had they been nominated, it would have been better. They are trying for that reason.”
Earlier, Nazrul Islam Khan, as a member of the BNP Standing Committee, inaugurated a photographic exhibition on the life and work of late Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at the mausoleum of Ziaur Rahman.
The event was organised by the “Bogura Media and Cultural Society (BMCS),” a platform for natives working in various media and cultural sectors in Dhaka. He toured the exhibition venue. BMCS President Marufa Rahman, General Secretary Sujan Mahmud, and other officials were present at that time.
Referring to the BNP acting chairman following in his mother’s path, Nazrul said, “Khaleda Zia has left behind her son, Tarique, who is now one of the most popular figures in Bangladesh and a major stakeholder in Bangladesh’s politics.
“We believe the people of Bangladesh wish to see positive change through him, which is why there is so much public aspiration and emotion for him. We believe he will march forward upholding the ideals of his father, the great proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, and his mother, former Prime Minister and people’s leader, Khaleda Zia.”
Nazrul continued, “Tarique Rahman has already stated that he will start from where his mother left off. We believe that only by starting from where the people’s leader left off for the country and the motherland, and taking it further, will the welfare of the country and its people be achieved.
We hope to receive cooperation from everyone, including our media, in this work.”
Reacting to the recent killing of the Swechchhasebak Dal Secretary Azizur Rahman Musabbir. “The point is, on the path to democratic transition, every good deed creates enemies, every good initiative faces opposition.
“Shaheed Hadi is also a victim of such circumstances. those who want to work for the country, for its independence and sovereignty, and for the welfare of the country, also have enemies.”
Commenting that the government must be tactful, the BNP leaders said, “Look, for an election to be fair, the improvement and stability of the law and order situation is undoubtedly important. We told the government long ago to take necessary initiatives in this regard.
“We are ready to provide the cooperation needed from our side in this matter. But the responsibility for maintaining day-to-day law and order rests with the government. We have called upon the government, and will call again, to be extremely active and tactful in this regard.”
Nazrul Islam Khan also said, “A committee is working on preparing the election manifesto. I believe it will be ready very soon.”
Responding to a question about recent university elections, Nazrul Islam Khan said, “You must understand one thing: for many years, our student organisations could not enter universities or colleges, they could not work. But a certain student organisation is now doing well.
“We know they had concealed their identities and had worked with the previous regime. They are trying to take advantage of the situation. But we had never considered this a good tactic.”
Later, Nazrul Islam Khan, along with members of the “Bogura Media and Cultural Society,” visited the grave of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to pay respects.
