Agargaon: The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has taken a significant step in the upcoming presidential election by collecting a nomination form for Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmad as its candidate. This development occurred at the office of the Chief Election Commissioner at Nirbachan Bhaban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, a delegation led by Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party alliance, arrived at the Election Commission (EC) around 11am to secure the nomination form. The delegation included notable figures such as Jamaat MPs Colonel (retd) Abdul Baten, Kamal Hossain, Rashedul Islam, Nurunnisa Siddika, and Marzia Begum. Also present were Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, LDP Acting Secretary General Billal Miyazi, JAGPA General Secretary Iqbal Hossain, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan Secretary General Mufti Fakhrul Islam, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Organising Secretary Mohammad Faisal.
When questioned about the rationale behind nominating a candidate despite the ruling party’s expected victory, Hamidur Rahman Azad emphasized the importance of democratic processes. “Winning or losing is not the issue here. We are trying to bring back democratic practice and move forward through the democratic process,” he stated, referencing Article 59 of the Constitution, which advocates for governance by elected representatives.
The 11-party alliance had previously announced their decision to field Oli Ahmad as their candidate during a meeting at the official residence of Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Minto Road. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam confirmed the nomination after the meeting.
Simultaneously, the ruling BNP has also shown its intent by collecting two nomination forms for the presidential election. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni obtained the forms from the Returning Officer’s office.
The Election Commission had earlier set the election date for August 20, following the resignation of former President Shahabuddin on July 24.