Oli Ahmed named Jamaat-led 11-party alliance presidential candidate

Jamaat-led 11-Party Alliance has unanimously nominated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, Bir Bikram, as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance wants to participate in the election to strengthen democracy and restore a healthy political process.
“We will participate in the presidential election for the beauty of democracy. Politics should be transparent in every sphere. We want Bangladesh to return to the path of democratic progress and healthy politics,” Dr Shafiqur said at a press briefing after a meeting of the alliance leaders in the capital on Sunday.
The meeting was held at the official residence of Jamaat Ameer and the Leader of the Opposition in JS at Minto Road around 11am. Dr Shafiqur presided over the meeting.
“We have unanimously finalised veteran politician and LDP Chairman Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram as our candidate for the presidency,” the Jamaat chief announced.
Oli Ahmed expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and the leaders of the 11-party alliance for nominating him.
“Everyone believes that as a freedom fighter I am a tested person, and there are no allegations of corruption against me. There are also no questions about my educational qualifications. I have led my life with integrity. That is why they have nominated me,” he said.
He said he would remain committed to the interests of the people regardless of the outcome of the election.
"Whether I win or lose is not the issue. I will never betray this nation. I will always work for what is good for the people and for protecting their interests," Oli Ahmed said.
NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam MP said the presidential election was important in the context of ongoing political and constitutional reforms.
He said discussions in the July Charter had focused on strengthening the powers of the president and ensuring a balance of power.
"We had hoped that a new president would be elected through implementation of the July Charter. But the government has rejected the people's mandate expressed through the referendum," Nahid alleged.
He accused the government of moving towards authoritarianism and criticised what he described as the government's failure to properly implement the reform process.
Nahid said the alliance had earlier demanded the removal of the incumbent president, whom it accused of being an ally of authoritarian rule, in line with the July Charter.
"Questions remain about why his tenure has been extended for another six months and what role the president will play in relation to a caretaker government," he said.
Describing Oli Ahmed as an experienced politician and a Liberation War veteran, Nahid said the alliance believed he could act as a guardian of the state at the current critical juncture.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque said the alliance has nominated, the most qualified person for the presidency.
"We have jointly nominated a Liberation War veteran and veteran politician from the 11-party alliance. He is a strong proponent of the spirit of July," he said.
Mamunul urged political forces beyond the alliance who "love the country" to consider supporting Oli Ahmed.
The meeting was attended by LDP Chairman Oli Ahmed, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party Acting Ameer Abdul Qayyum Sobhan, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and alliance coordinator Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, JAGPA Vice-President Rashed Pradhan, AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and other senior leaders of the alliance.