BNP to field single candidates in local govt elections: Chief whip

The BNP will seek to field a single candidate in each union in local government elections in coordination with grassroots leaders, while taking strict action against party members involved in extortion, land grabbing and other wrongdoing, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni has said.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a press conference on Sunday, following a meeting of ruling party MPs chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

On the local government election schedule, Moni said the Election Commission usually takes decisions after consulting the Local Government Division and the relevant ministries. He expressed hope that arrangements would be made to hold free and fair elections at an appropriate time following consultations with the relevant authorities.

He said there must be no interference in the elections and that instructions had been given to ensure candidates with genuine public support could win.

Regarding candidate nominations, the chief whip said the BNP would try to field a single candidate in every union by utilising the party’s grassroots organisational structure.

He added that local government elections would not be held using party symbols this time. The BNP wants the elections to take place in a festive atmosphere, with people choosing representatives acceptable to local residents, he said.

Asked what action the party would take if anyone contested against the grassroots decision, Moni said the party would decide on the matter, adding that no discussions had yet taken place on the issue.