Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won’t participate in the upcoming city corporation elections as like just concluded upazila polls and the national elections.

Senior leaders of the BNP said in 2019, the standing committee, the highest policymaking body of the party, had taken a decision not to participate in any election under the current government and the current election commission. As per the decision, the BNP wouldn’t participate in any election later. The same decision will be applicable to the upcoming Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) polls.       

Contacted, BNP senior joint secretary general and spokesperson of the party, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told Bangladesh Pratidin that BNP’s decision not to join any polls under the current regime remains active. There is no new decision about participating in the ensuing city polls.

Sources said there is no discussion or any kind of interest in the BNP about city corporation elections. BNP is still steadfast demanding caretaker government. It had boycotted the 12th general election and just concluded upazila election on the issue. Those who participated in the polls ignoring the party’s decision, BNP had expelled them from the party. That’s why, there is no chance of an independent candidate from BNP to vie in the city corporation election.  If any BNP leader participates in the city polls, the party will expel him/her as like as the past.

BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said not only BNP leaders and activists, but common people have also lost their interest to participate in the polls under the current government.  

The last election in DNCC and DSCC was held on February 1, 2020, through EVMs. The ruling Awami League and BNP took part in the polls with party symbols.

EC officials said it is obligatory to hold the election before 180 days expire of current tenure as per the City Corporation Act. The tenure count begins from the first meeting of the city corporation. The first meeting of DNCC was held on June 2, 2020, and the first meeting of DSCC was held on June 3 of the same year. As such, the countdown of DNCC and DSCC will start on December 4 and 5 respectively, of the current year. The tenure of these two city corporations will end on June 1 and 2, respectively. The election commission can hold the polls on any day during the countdown.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on July 8, 2024 and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.