Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has urged the Election Commission to look into whether fugitive convict Tarique Rahman can participate in election activities.
He asked this when he learned that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman – now living in the UK – interviewed nomination-aspirants via video conference.
Quader was speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the BNP parliamentary board began interviewing the party’s nomination-seekers for the 11th general election, scheduled to be held on December 30.
Grand Alliance’s decision on candidates, symbols
Quader said the Awami League-led 14-Party Grand Alliance has finalized its list of candidates: “The list will be published in four-five days.”
Replying to another query, he said their coalition partners will contest in the election using Awami League’s boat symbol.
Jatiya Party candidates will contend using the plough symbol, he said.
Jatiya Party, now opposition in parliament, will run for the election as part of the Grand Alliance.
However, the new ally Jukta Front has not yet decided on their electoral symbol, the Awami League leader said. “We want them to contest using the boat symbol and have already informed the commission of the matter.”
Awami League’s electoral manifesto
Quader said they are preparing the party’s manifesto focusing on transforming rural areas into cities. Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will soon unveil the manifesto.
Plan for the alliance’s current MPs
He said the policymakers have no plan to bar the incumbent ministers and MPs from contesting in the upcoming election.
“Those who worked to develop their constituencies even six months ago will be nominated. There will be new appearances among those who received nominations.”
Reza Kibria is seeking Oikya Front’s nomination
In response to another question, Quader said Reza Kibria – the son of slain Awami League’s finance minister Shah AMS Kibria – was never involved in Awami League politics.
“If he runs for election under the newly-formed alliance – Jatiya Oikya Front’s ticket – we have nothing to do with that,” he said.
No election is free anywhere
Quader said Awami League is 100% confident of winning the election.
“No election is held in a free and fair manner anywhere in the world— not even in the US. But this year the election will be held in Bangladesh according to South Asian standards.”
