Staff Reporter:
BNP will take organizational action against its ‘rebel’ candidates if they do not step aside from the election race, party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Wednesday.
“The time for withdrawal of candidacy has passed. Now discussions will be held by the Election Steering Committee and by the top leadership of BNP. After that, if anyone remains a candidate, organisational action will definitely be taken against them by the party,” he said.
Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s election office in Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party wants all members to work together with full dedication for the candidates under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.
“Those who do not do this will definitely face organizational action from the party,” he added.
Mahdi, who is also an adviser to the BNP Chairman, said that before the mass uprising there had been a long anti-fascist movement for the restoration of democracy and voting rights.
For many years, he said, ordinary people were unable to vote and many committed political activ-ists could not participate in elections.
“Now, after such a long period, with the election being held, a major party like BNP will naturally have internal competition. But only one candidate can be nominated in each constituency,” he said.
The BNP spokesperson said there are many aspirants in several constituencies, many of whom have made significant sacrifices for the party and played key roles in its struggle. “Some of them feel they could have received the nomination.”
He, however, said, rebel candidates must quit the race to maintain the party discipline.
According to media reports, nearly 76 rebel BNP candidates remain in the field across the country as they did not withdraw their nomination papers on Tuesday, the last date for withdrawal.
