'Won't betray the nation,' Oli pledges after Jamaat-led alliance picks him as presidential candidate
'Because I have led my life with integrity, everyone unanimously proposed my name,' says LDP Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad.
The opposition alliance led by the Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad as its candidate.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced the decision during a press conference at the opposition leader's official residence on Dhaka's Minto Road today (9 August).
The decision was taken earlier at a meeting of the alliance's top leaders chaired by Jamaat Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman.
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At the press conference, Oli said, "Everyone felt that, as a Liberation War veteran and a proven individual, I have no allegations of corruption against me and no questions over my educational qualifications. Because I have led my life with integrity, everyone unanimously proposed my name.
"I am grateful to the entire nation, to everyone in the 11-party alliance and to all our leaders and activists. Through you, we want to tell the people that we will never betray the nation from where we stand. We will always stand by the people and work to protect their interests."
Oli is the founding chairman of the LDP, which he founded in 2006 after leaving the BNP.
A former army officer and Liberation War veteran, he was awarded the Bir Bikrom for his role in the 1971 war.
After retiring from the army, Oli entered politics and went on to serve as a BNP lawmaker and minister during Khaleda Zia's government, holding the portfolios of communications and energy.
Before the 13th general election, the LDP joined the alliance led by Jamaat, bringing Oli and his party into the broader opposition bloc seeking to contest the election together.
