Many former lawmakers of the BNP are taking preparations to participate in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. Some central leaders of the party also think of taking part in the polls. They think, this time voting will be free and fair and they will benefit from it.

Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman said, “All BNP aspirants won’t be frustrated if the party doesn’t join the elections. You (BNP aspirants) should come forward to fill up the expectations of the party and the people of the country.”

As per the latest information, a total of 15 political parties including Awami League and its alliance partners are preparing for elections. Other parties are -- Jatiya Party (JP), Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Ganatantri Party, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF), Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bangladesh Islamic Front, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM), and Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP). Various political parties outside the Awami League-led grand alliance are also taking preparations to participate in the polls.

Jatiya Party (JP): The Jatiya Party on Monday started selling nomination papers for the upcoming national election. JP senior co-chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud inaugurated the selling of nomination papers at the party's chairman's office in the capital’s Banani. A total of 557 aspirants including JP chairman GM Quader collected nomination papers on the first day.

Jatiya Party secretary general Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Co-chairmans -- ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, Kazi Firoz Rashid, Sayed Abu Hossain Babla and advocate Salma Islam collected nomination forms in presence. However, opposition leader Rowshan Ershad didn’t collect the nomination form on the first day.

Party presidium member Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan handed over the nomination forms to the senior leaders. Presidium members -- Nasreen Jahan Ratna, Shameem Haider Patwary, Rana Mohammad Sohail, Atiqur Rahman Atique, Chairman's adviser Sherifa Quader, Jatiya Chhatra Samaj president and Jatiya Party Rangpur district member Md. Al Mamun also bought nomination forms on the opening day of the sale. 

JP secretary general Mujibul Haque Chunnu said, “Jatiya Party is an election-oriented party. We have started primary works to take part in the elections. However, it is not the final decision to participate in the polls.”

He also called upon the authorities concerned to create a congenial atmosphere for a peaceful election.  

Chunnu said party chairman GM Quader would take the final decision about their participation in the ensuing election. He (Quader) would soon inform his decision in this regard.

Mentioning that the Jatiya Party is giving candidature in all 300 seats with its symbol, the secretary general said, “Our chairman repeatedly told the authorities concerned to sit in dialogue with all political parties. He (GM Quader) could give a formula for holding a free and fair election as per the Constitution if all parties sit at a table.

While speaking to journalists, JP co-chairman ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader said, “We are participating in the polls for the greater interest of the country and its people. All will have to be united to continue the development spree of the country. The prescription given by foreigners is not an honour for us. We also believe in a fair election.”

Responding to another question, Ruhul Amin Hawlader said he doesn’t think there is any distance between GM Quader and Rowshan Ershad as they are in the same family.    

Krishak Sramik Janata League: Krishak Sramik Janata League, founded by Bangabir Abdul Kader Siddiqui Bir Uttam also started selling its nomination forms on Monday among the aspirant candidates of the national elections. The selling of the nomination forms will be continued till November 26, confirmed a letter signed by the party’s central committee member Farid Ahmed. 

Islami Oikya Jote: Religion-based political party Islami Oikya Jote has announced that it will participate in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. The party made the announcement at a press conference at Jatiya Press Club on Monday. Party chairman Maulana Abul Hasnat Amini said his party believes in the spirit of the Liberation War. That’s why, they, along with the countrymen want all kinds of interferenceless parliamentary elections. Otherwise, the country’s people won’t accept the polls. 

He also demanded a free, fair, neutral and participatory election.

National People's Party (NPP): NPP chairman and Ganatantra Bikas Mancha coordinator Sheikh Salauddin Salu said his party is prepared to give candidature in all 300 constituencies. He made the announcement at a press conference at Jatiya Press Club on Monday. Ganatantra Bikas Mancha arranged the press meet on the occasion of the next parliamentary polls.

Sammilito Mohajote: Registered party Sammilito Mohajote will participate in the election with a green coconut symbol. Party chairman advocate Kazi Rezaul Hossain said they have sold 594 nomination forms till Monday for the 300 seats.

Trinamool BNP: Trinamool BNP secretary general advocate Taimur Alam Khandaker said they have sold nomination forms for 200 seats so far. The deadline for selling forms has been extended as many people from across the country want to participate in the polls under the banner of Trinamool BNP.  

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolon: The party published its 201-member national executive committee at a press conference on Monday. Announcing the committee, Dr Md Shahjahan, secretary general of the party, said they would take part in the polls independently. 

Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP): Bangladesh Supreme Party started selling nomination papers on Sunday. BSP chairman Syed Saifuddin Ahmed Maizbhandari inaugurated the function. Party office secretary Md Ibrahim Mia said they have sold a total of 152 nomination forms by Monday.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on November 21, 2023 and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.