BNP will take organisational action against rebel candidates: Mahdi Amin
Even after the nomination withdrawal deadline, the Election Steering Committee and the party’s top leadership would hold discussions in phases with those still contesting as rebels, said Mahdi Amin.
The BNP will take organisational action against rebel candidates if they continue to remain in the electoral race despite discussions with the party's top leadership, according to Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the party's Election Steering Committee.
While speaking at a press conference held in Dhaka's Gulshan today (21 January), he admitted that although the deadline for withdrawing nominations has passed, BNP's rebel candidates are still in the race in many constituencies.
Responding to questions on whether the committee would recommend action to the central leadership and whether swift measures against rebel candidates were under consideration, Mahdi said the matter was being treated with due seriousness.
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He noted that over the past 15 years, due to what he described as a movement against fascism, many dedicated and long-serving BNP leaders had been unable to contest elections. "With an election being held after a long hiatus, internal competition had naturally emerged within a large party like the BNP."
However, he stressed that more than one candidate cannot be nominated in a single constituency.
Mahdi, the adviser to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, said many tested and committed leaders have played important roles for the party over the years, many of whom had expectations of securing nominations.
Even after the nomination withdrawal deadline, the Election Steering Committee and the party's top leadership would hold discussions in phases with those still contesting as rebels, he added.
He made it clear that if anyone continues to defy party decisions and stays in the race after these talks, organisational action will definitely be taken against them in line with the party constitution.
He added that the BNP wants the entire party, along with its affiliated and associate organisations, to work with unity, sincerity and full strength to ensure the victory of the party's "sheaf of paddy" candidates. Those who act outside party decisions or fail to carry out their responsibilities will also face organisational measures.
