Muktadesh Desk: The political arena of Bangladesh is once again bustling. The national elections, once shrouded in uncertainty, are now heated up for the vote. In the historical context of Revolution and Solidarity Day, the potential candidates announced by BNP are entering the field together today. By announcing candidates for 237 seats, the party has given a clear message that they are ready for the election fight. After a long period of uncertainty, deadlock and political stagnation, the streets from the capital to the provinces, from villages to cities, will be filled with the marches of BNP leaders and activists.
Today is not just a program for BNP, but a political message. They want to convey that the spirit of November 7 is not just the history of the past, but also the inspiration for the struggle of the present. After a long period of suppression, hardship and uncertainty, BNP is now returning to the streets again with electoral politics. The vitality that is being seen from the center to the grassroots has given new momentum to the party’s long-standing stagnation.
Meanwhile, the political crisis surrounding the July Charter once created doubts about the election schedule. But when BNP released the list of candidates for 237 seats, that doubt is believed to have been largely dispelled. On the other hand, the interim government is also sounding optimistic about the elections. The government says that the elections will be held on time and the process is moving forward. Many in the political arena say that BNP’s move is taking the country’s democratic process forward. Because the main political party entering the electoral fray means restoring people’s trust in the elections. The questions that were raised in various quarters so far – will the elections be held? Will BNP participate? The answers to those questions are now visible.
BNP has called for the reconstruction of nationalist forces around the emotion of Revolution and Solidarity Day. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given the message that everyone must unite, inspired by the spirit of November 7, and work together to build a strong democracy. His message has created new enthusiasm among the leaders and activists.
However, this time the scenario is somewhat different. Keeping in mind the spirit and historical importance of November 7, BNP has made big arrangements around Revolution and Solidarity Day. The campaign will see a show of strength across the country. The party candidates will participate in mass contacts, processions and road meetings in their respective areas to test their popularity and also deliver the central message to the general voters – BNP is coming to the polls, calling for change.
On the other hand, those who did not get a place in the list are not stopping. Their preparations are also not less. A section of the deprived candidates are already preparing for the showdown with their supporters and leaders. BNP has already said that the list of candidates is not final, and changes may be made if necessary. This announcement has created new motivation for the deprived. They are busy proving their strength and popularity in the electoral arena. As a result, there is double excitement in the BNP political arena today – on the one hand, the official candidate, and on the other, the hopeful rival. Although this parallel showdown between the two parties has increased competition within the party, it is bringing vitality to national politics as a whole. Many say that after a long wait, this is the opportunity when BNP will be able to prove its organizational strength and mass base. The BNP leadership believes that the people are now waiting for the vote. They are ready for change. And BNP is entering the field with the promise of that change.
BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf mentioned the election preparations and said, ‘The head of the interim government has said that the elections will be held in early February… We have welcomed it. We are making all kinds of preparations. You have seen that our acting chairman has announced the names of candidates for 237 seats, one seat was postponed later. As a result, we have announced 236 seats. We seek the cooperation of all political parties and the people so that a free, fair and acceptable election is held in the country.’
BNP nominated candidate for Barisal-4 (Mehendiganj-Hijla) constituency, Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan said, ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day is already a name of inspiration for us. This time it is being celebrated in a different context. The acting chairman of BNP has made me the candidate for Barisal-4 constituency. We will appear before the people through a large public gathering.
On the other hand, those who were denied nomination say, “The wrong person has been nominated by misrepresenting BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. We will be on the field on Revolution and Solidarity Day. We will prove through a large public gathering that we are actually connected to the people.”
