Photo: Messenger
Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM) has emerged in recent days as an influential opposition force poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming general elections in absence of the country’s main opposition BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), which opted to boycott the ensuing 12th parliamentary polls.
The newly-formed party has already taken proactive steps by distributing nearly 300 nomination forms among its aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs), positioning itself to contest the upcoming polls as a significant opposition force. Party leaders express optimism that, if the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner, a substantial number of BNM MPs could secure victory.
Political analysts are of the view that thanks to the the veiled patronage of the ruling party Bangladesh Awami League (AL), the spotlight is now on smaller and newly-formed political entities that could take centrestage as opposition parties.
They said as the country gears up for its 12th parliamentary national elections scheduled for January 7, a wave of new political parties has gained registration from the Bangladesh Election Commission, with the BNM standing out as a major player among them.
As the country gears up for its 12th parliamentary national elections scheduled for January 7, a wave of new political parties has gained registration from the Bangladesh Election Commission, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM) standing out as a major player among them.
Under the alleged influence of the ruling Awami League, the BNM has rapidly emerged as a prominent opposition force poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming general elections. With the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), opting to boycott the polls, the spotlight is now on smaller and newly formed political entities that could take centre stage as opposition parties.
The BNM has taken proactive steps by distributing nearly 300 nomination forms among its aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs), positioning itself to contest the upcoming polls as a significant opposition force. Party leaders express optimism that, if the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner, a substantial number of BNM MPs could secure victory.
A notable development is the inclusion of four former BNP parliament members who have recently joined the BNM and collected nomination forms for the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. The four members are Shah Mohammad Abu Jafar, M. Abdul Wahab, Dewan Shamsul Arefin, and Professor Abdul Rahman, representing constituencies Faridpur-1, Jhenaidah-1, Sunamganj-4, and Barguna-2, respectively.
In addition to the four, a total of 11 former parliament members, including 10 who have collected nomination forms, have joined the BNM. This diverse group includes individuals with backgrounds in the military, law, and business.
A ceremony for the induction of new members and the distribution of nomination forms was held last Saturday at the BNM's central office in Gulshan of the capital. Notably, the popular singer Doly Shaontoni has announced her participation in the upcoming national election as a candidate from the BNM, competing in the Pabna-2 constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the party, BNM's secretary general, M. Shahjahan, emphasised the importance of a robust opposition in the parliament, suggesting that development alone cannot fulfill the aspirations of the country's people.
On the other hand, former Jatiya Party (JP-Ershad) parliament member Jafar Iqbal Siddique has joined the BNM, collecting a nomination form for the Nilphamari-1 constituency.
The political landscape has not been without controversy, as BNP's senior joint secretary, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, alleged in a virtual press conference that the government is using intelligence agencies to undermine opposition parties. He claimed that new parties are being incentivized with promises of victory and financial rewards.
In response, BNM's secretary general, Shahjahan, refuted these claims, asserting that the BNM is committed to transparent politics and has not engaged in such practices.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current election environment, Shahjahan suggested that the BNM might reconsider its participation if the government fails to maintain a fair electoral atmosphere and if leaders misuse their power and financial resources to influence the police administration.
Meanwhile, the BNP has expelled party advisory council member Sayed AK Ekramuzzaman and an executive committee member, including primary membership, based on specific allegations of activities against party discipline. Ekramuzzaman, planning to run as an independent candidate, and Shah Mohammad Abu Jafar, who joined the BNM, are among the expelled leaders.
Earlier on 15 November, the Election Commission (EC) announced the polls schedule for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad election. Political parties will be able to submit nominations for candidacies until 30 November.
The EC will scrutinize the nomination submissions from 1-4 December. Appeals against the nominations can be submitted from 6-15 December, and nominations need to be withdrawn by 17 December.
Political parties will be able to distribute symbols by 18 December, and the election campaign will officially kick off on 18 December. The campaign duration will end at 8am on 5 January.
Messenger/Disha
