No election code violation in Tarique’s northern region tour: Salahuddin

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed today (8 January) said the upcoming four-day tour of the northern region by party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will not violate the election code of conduct, as it is meant to pay homage to the martyrs of the July mass uprising.

"Some people may be viewing this tour from different perspectives. Paying proper respect to the martyrs of the 2024 student-led mass uprising is our responsibility and a national responsibility. Our leader, Tarique Rahman, wanted to do this long ago, but for various reasons, the visit could not take place earlier," he said.

Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said paying tributes to the martyrs and visiting their graves is the nation's expectation.

"We uphold the spirit of the mass uprising, and we must elevate that spirit. That is why he is going. From this perspective, there is no issue of violating the election code of conduct," he said.

The BNP leader urged everyone not to question the dignity of the 2024 student uprising but rather to further honour and glorify the sacrifice of the martyrs.

As the top leader of the country's major political party, he said that if Tarique Rahman visits the graves of the uprising martyrs and offers floral tributes, it means upholding the spirit of the uprising and fulfilling the nation's expectations.

"This is the people's expectation—the nation's expectation, and it should be viewed from that perspective," the BNP leader added.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel by road from Dhaka to Bogura on 11 January.

During the visit, he will go to Rangpur to visit the graves of the martyrs of the 2024 student-led mass uprising, including Abu Sayed, who was killed during the July movement.

Replying to a question about internal party issues, Salahuddin said BNP has already taken organisational steps against leaders who are contesting the election in violation of party decisions, while efforts are also underway to persuade them.

"In a large party like ours, many candidates have expectations. Some became disappointed when they did not receive nominations. In the greater interest, for the sake of seat-sharing and to ensure multi-party representation in parliament, we had to deprive many capable candidates," he said.

As a result, the BNP leader said, there is disappointment among those who were denied nominations.

"In some cases, we have taken organisational action, and in other cases, we are trying to convince and calm them down. We hope the matter will be resolved," he said.

Asked whether the killing of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader could affect the election, Salahuddin said some isolated incidents are taking place, but these will not have any impact on the election.

He said all political parties are now committed to holding a proper 13th national parliamentary election.

"Insha'Allah, with united efforts and the sincerity of all political parties, we will be able to cross the electoral hurdle smoothly. Although there were many demands earlier, all parties are now committed to the election," the BNP leader said.

At different times, he said, some parties raised various demands, arguments, and allegations regarding the election, referendum, and other issues. "I think they have finally understood (the importance of holding the election). I believe all political parties have now reached a common position and are sincere about holding a free and fair election," he said.

Salahuddin said if any party has complaints about the level playing field or other election-related issues, they should inform the Election Commission.

"The Election Commission and the government will address these issues properly. I believe all political parties and the people are sincere about a fair election," he observed.