The death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will not create any legal grounds to postpone or suspend the upcoming national elections, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Salahuddin explained that Khaleda Zia's nominations were automatically invalidated as she passed away before the nomination scrutiny process. Consequently, the alternative candidates pre-designated by the party will now contest her constituencies.
Khaleda Zia had intended to contest from Feni-1, Bogura-7, and Dinajpur-3. Due to her prolonged illness, Rafiqul Alam Majnu for Feni-1, Morshed Alam for Bogura-7, and Syed Jahangir Alam for Dinajpur-3 had already been nominated as alternative candidates. Salahuddin confirmed that these nominations remain valid and that the candidates will compete as official BNP representatives. He emphasised that there is no legal provision to suspend, cancel, or delay the elections in this situation.
On the political role of BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin said, "Tarique Rahman is a political leader. For the nation's interest, he must remain steadfast. Despite the grief over Khaleda Zia's passing, there is no alternative-he must lead with resolve."
He paid tribute to Khaleda Zia, describing her as the "Mother of Democracy" whose life was defined by sacrifices for Bangladesh, democracy, and the nation's people. He highlighted her global recognition as a symbol of democracy and the massive participation in her funeral, both in person and virtually.
Salahuddin concluded that the BNP and the nation must honour Khaleda Zia's legacy by working toward a stronger, fairer, and democratic Bangladesh. He stated that Tarique Rahman, together with senior party leaders and citizens, will continue her vision, ensuring that the flag of Bangladeshi nationalism remains upheld. Despite the national grief, the BNP's organisational and electoral responsibilities will continue uninterrupted, demonstrating continuity in leadership and commitment to democratic governance.
