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BNP views 11-party alliance presidential candidate positively
Published : Sunday, 9 August, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Jahid Biplob
Symbolic Photo
Bangladesh Nationalist Party views the nomination of Liberal Democractic Party (LDP) President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed as the presidential candidate of the Jamaat-NCP-led 11-party alliance positively.
Party sources said, having multiple candidates for the presidential election is part of a healthy democratic practice. They believe that a contested election will make the race more dynamic and further strengthen political coexistence and democratic norms in the country.
Speaking to The Daily Observer, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, "According to rules, the 11-party alliance can field a candidate in the presidential race. They haven't boycotted the election. Fielding a candidate is a form of cooperation toward running the state and making the presidential election vibrant."
Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku described the move as a healthy trend in democracy. He told The Daily Observer, "I thank the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat, for this. This marks a victory for positive democracy, serving as an important milestone for Bangladesh."
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu noted that the president is elected through the votes of Members of Parliament in accordance with existing laws, and any registered party has the right to field a candidate.
He told The Daily Observer, "Even knowing that we hold the majority in parliament, the 11-party alliance has fielded a candidate. I believe this will further consolidate democratic practices."
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also welcomed the announcement, telling The Daily Observer, "This reflects the democratic process. Multiple candidates in the presidential election will make the contest far more engaging."
Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Adviser to the BNP Chairman, observed that political dynamics have led to shifts in Jamaat's trajectory over time.
He noted that Jamaat had previously joined hands with the Awami League and Jatiya Party to resign from parliament and launch anti-government movements, while later forming a coalition government with BNP in 2001 and holding cabinet posts.
He told The Daily Observer, "Their political trajectory has not always been uniform. If they now thoughtfully field a presidential candidate to strengthen the foundation of democracy, it will set a commendable precedent."
Meanwhile, speaking on condition of anonymity, a BNP Standing Committee member offered a lighter take on the development, remarking, "Fortunately, they didn't nominate someone inexperienced or immature for the presidency. Though even if they had, there wouldn't be much to do about it."
-JB/SA
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
