Grassroots leaders promise to work for BNP nominees
BNP grassroots leaders in Barishal and Khulna divisions promised the party's nomination board to work together for whoever is nominated.
The board told the aspirants that there were many competent candidates in every constituency but as not more than one could be nominated, everyone had to abide by the party decision, said party leaders.
On the second day of interviews of BNP aspirants, a total of 474 hopefuls from 57 constituencies of Khulna and Barishal were interviewed by the nomination board comprising of the party's standing committee members, acting chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at its chairperson's Gulshan office.
The Daily Star correspondent spoke to more than a dozen aspirants, all of whom promised to work for those nominated.
An aspirant, wishing anonymity, said former lawmaker Mujibur Rahman Sarwar and BNP leader Syed Moazzem Hossain gave interviews for Barishal-5.
“During the interview, Tarique asked Sarwar why he was not talking and Sarwar replied that he would work [for the party], no matter who got the party tickets,” said a senior leader.
Akand Kuddusur Rahman, a contender of Barishal-1, said, “We have full confidence in the party high ups and hope that a competent candidate will get the party ticket.”
Monir Hossain, an aspirant from Patuakhali-2, said, “We have decided to participate in the election as part of the movement to restore democracy and release Khaleda Zia. We hope that the party's top leaders will give nomination to the best candidate.”
Meeting sources said when the candidates entered the meeting room, Fakhrul welcomed them and then Tarqiue Rahman made a speech before them.
Mamun Rahman, an aspirant of Khulna-5, said Tarique Rahman asked them to work together to ensure victory.
ASSAULTS MARS INTERVIEW
However, incidents of assaults marred the entire process.
When Shahidul Huq, a contender of Barishal-2, entered the office, he was physically assaulted by the party leaders and activists due to his role in the army-backed caretaker government.
Finishing his interview, Shahidul came out of the office and apologised for his role, after which the party leaders and activists allowed him to leave the office, witnesses said.
Former lawmakers Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto and Rashid Howlader also faced a similar situation for their roles during the army-backed caretaker government.
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