BNP to field single candidates in local elections, takes ‘zero tolerance’ stance on rebels

BNP will field single candidates in the upcoming local government elections and take a “zero tolerance” approach towards anyone who contests against the party’s decision, said BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting between BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and leaders from Rajshahi division at the chairman’s office in Gulshan on Thursday evening.

Rizvi said the party chairman has emphasised fielding a single candidate in local government elections. Grassroots leaders and activists have also been instructed to work together once the Election Commission announces the election schedule.

He said district-level leaders will select candidates for the Union Parishad chairman posts. If any issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the central leadership will settle it.

However, anyone who contests independently against the party’s decision will face strict disciplinary action, Rizvi said, adding that the party’s high command will maintain a “zero tolerance” policy in such cases.

Rizvi also said party leaders and activists had been instructed to highlight the government’s development activities at the grassroots level.

He alleged that the previous Awami League government had left the national treasury depleted, but claimed the current government was continuing its work despite the challenges.

Earlier on Thursday, Tarique Rahman held a meeting with leaders of BNP’s Pabna and Chapainawabganj district units as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots organisation.

According to Rizvi, such organisational meetings with district and metropolitan leaders are being held regularly, with meetings taking place every Thursday and Saturday.

Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, reserved-seat lawmaker Advocate Arifa Sultana, BNP chairman’s adviser Habibur Rahman Habib, Pabna district BNP member secretary Maksudur Rahman Masud Khandaker, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal president Md Hasan Zafir Tuhin and Chapainawabganj district BNP president Mohammad Golam Zakaria, among others, attended the meeting.

SKS