BNP will finalize single candidates in 200 constituencies within this month, allowing them to begin election preparations under the party’s banner, said BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday.

Speaking at a briefing at his residence, Salahuddin said the party had agreed with many clauses of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) amendment. However, he noted that according to sub-section 20(1), political parties under an alliance could contest polls using another party’s electoral symbol—a provision that had reassured BNP.

But the way the RPO has been passed will discourage smaller parties from forming alliances,” he said, expressing concern that “senior leaders of small parties might be deprived of opportunities.”

Questioning the rationale behind passing such an RPO unilaterally, he said BNP wants to see a multi-party, participatory, and inclusive parliament.

Salahuddin urged the authorities to reconsider the RPO amendment in the interest of a fair election and said BNP will send a formal letter registering its objections to the changes.