BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said their party is completing all necessary preparations to take part in the much-awaited national election.
"As part of this process, the nomination of BNP candidates or BNP-backed candidates in the country's 300 parliamentary constituencies is now at its final stage," he said while virtually inaugurating BNP's membership collection and renewal drive abroad and online payment gateway activities at a Dhaka hotel.
As a popular and people-backed party, it is normal that in almost every constituency, several qualified BNP leaders are seeking nominations, he said. "This is a matter of pride and honour for any political party."
Tarique said it is not possible to nominate everyone, and BNP has also decided to support some candidates from other democratic parties that took part in the anti-fascist movement alongside BNP. "Because of this, some BNP aspirants may not get party nominations."
He urged all BNP leaders, activists, and supporters to accept this reality in the greater interest of the country, the people, and democracy.
"Please consider the party's decision as final. I want to remind you of the words of the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman: 'The party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party,'" Tarique said.
He said the names of BNP-nominated candidates will soon be announced in phases. "Whoever receives the nomination, please work unitedly to ensure their victory. Remember, a hidden dictatorship with secret ambitions is lurking around you. So do not let petty resentments, quarrels or disputes among yourselves reach a level where the opponent can take advantage of your differences."
Tarique also reminded those seeking nominations that they are all followers of Ziaur Rahman and soldiers of Begum Khaleda Zia. "Remember, if the BNP's symbol 'sheaf of paddy' wins, you win, democracy wins, and the country wins."
The BNP acting chairman also voiced concern over the growing public doubt about whether the upcoming national election will be held as scheduled, saying that such uncertainty could put the country's democratic transition at risk.
"During the rule of the fallen, defeated, and fugitive autocrat, people had no interest in national elections. Now, under the interim government, questions are being raised among the public — will the election be held on time?" he said.
Tarique said the new opportunity for Bangladeshis overseas to vote for the first time may seem a bit complicated to some, but he congratulated the Election Commission for opening this avenue.
"In sha Allah, if BNP comes to power, we will take steps to make the voting process for expatriates even simpler in the future," he said.
Tarique concluded his speech by launching BNP's online membership and payment gateway through the website www.bnpbd.org, which allows anyone from anywhere in the world to become a member, renew their membership, or donate to the party online.