He made the announcement while speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence on Friday (October 24) afternoon.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, “There are multiple qualified candidates for each seat. However, the final nominations will be decided after discussions with our political partners. Those who do not receive nominations will have the opportunity to be evaluated in other ways.”
He added that BNP, along with its allies, would work to implement the 31-point agenda as part of its anti-fascist movement and commitment to restoring democracy. “Our partners will be given due importance in both forming an alliance and a future government. There is also a plan to allocate them an appropriate number of seats,” he said.
Regarding party leadership, Salahuddin said, “Tarique Rahman remains in constant communication with leaders and activists across the country, consulting and taking advice. This ongoing dialogue plays a vital role in the nomination process.”
When asked about BNP’s discussions with the National Citizens Party (NCP), Salahuddin mentioned, “Political discussions are ongoing with the NCP. However, we will have to wait to see whether BNP and NCP eventually join forces in an alliance.” He clarified that no formal decision had yet been made regarding the formation of an alliance with the NCP.
He also criticized the recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), saying, “If small parties were part of an alliance, they could have contested elections using another party’s symbol. Although most parties agreed to such a change, the way the RPO was passed will discourage smaller parties from forming alliances.”
Meanwhile, the BNP has revoked the expulsion orders of seven leaders who were previously expelled for alleged violations of party discipline and activities contrary to party ideology.
According to a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday, the following leaders have been reinstated as primary members of the party: Fakhr Uddin Ahmed Bachchu, former member of BNP National Executive Committee and former convener of Bhaluka Upazila BNP (Mymensingh South District), Rakibul Uddin Sarkar Pappu, former senior joint convener of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP, Nurul Amin Chairman, former joint convener of Chittagong North District BNP, Ruhul Amin Dulal, former convener of Mathbaria Upazila BNP (Pirojpur District), Fahmid Faisal Chowdhury Comet, former president of Jaldhaka Upazila BNP (Nilphamari District), Mukarram Hossain Sujan, former member of Rangpur District BNP, Md. Ali Sarkar, former member of Rangpur District BNP.
The statement said the decision to withdraw their expulsion came following individual appeals and a review by the party’s top leadership. Their primary membership status has been restored as per BNP’s internal directives.
