The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalised candidates for half of the constituencies in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and is set to publish the list soon before launching its campaign. 

The party has also signalled readiness to leave around 50 seats for its allies in the simultaneous movement. However, there is no possibility of forming an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, said BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed.

With election fever gripping the country, political parties are busy shaping strategies to maximise their chances. While some are preparing to strengthen their position through alliances, others are determined to contest alone. Well ahead of the election schedule, parties have already moved to finalise candidate lists.

Talking to a TV channel, Hafizuddin Ahmed said BNP aims to field single candidates in 70 percent of constituencies. 

Candidates have already been finalised in half of the seats. In the selection process, priority has been given to sacrifice, experience, popularity and a clean image. The BNP will soon publish the list and hit the campaign trail, he said.

He said BNP is prepared to leave 40 to 50 constituencies for its allies in the simultaneous movement, based on popularity considerations. However, he stressed there is no possibility of an alliance with Jamaat in the 13th parliamentary election.

Our own list is more or less ready. Those who are popular in their constituencies, who enjoy a good reputation among ordinary people, who are honest, dedicated and committed – I believe BNP will prioritise such leaders for nomination, he added.

On seat sharing, Hafizuddin further said: BNP will leave 40 to 50 constituencies for other parties. Who will be included has not yet been decided; discussions are ongoing.

While clarifying BNP’s position on Jamaat, Hafizuddin said although the party does not consider Jamaat an enemy, statements made by some of its leaders are embarrassing. 

The PR demand is simply a strategy to block BNP. Jamaat thinks they are close to history. We have been embarrassed by some of their leaders’ remarks. One of them has said they will form the government and BNP will be in the opposition. Dreaming is fine, but there should be limits, he said.