Oli Ahmad Emerges as Presidential Candidate for 11-Party Alliance
Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad will run for president. An 11-party alliance has nominated him. Mr. Ahmad is the chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This alliance includes Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
The alliance made its decision on Sunday. Leaders met at the opposition leader’s residence in Dhaka. Nahid Islam announced the nomination. Mr. Islam is the chief whip of the opposition. He also serves as the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP). He shared the news with journalists around 12:50 pm.
Mr. Islam explained the alliance’s reasons. He said the BNP showed reluctance for the July Charter. The BNP also did not support state reforms. He added that the BNP is acting like previous governments. They are not taking new steps for change.
The 11-party alliance had hoped for reforms. They wanted the presidential election to follow the July Charter. However, the BNP has not started any such initiatives. This lack of action led to the alliance’s decision.
Mr. Islam suggested a different path. He said the BNP could have pursued reforms. Then, a single candidate might have been chosen. Both the ruling party and the opposition could have agreed. But the BNP did not do this. So, the 11-party alliance decided to put forward its own candidate.
The Election Commission (EC) has already announced the presidential election schedule. The process of selling nomination forms has begun. Candidates must submit their nomination papers by August 13.
After submission, the papers will be checked. Candidates who wish to withdraw their names have until August 18. The final voting will take place on August 20. Members of parliament will cast their votes. The voting will happen in the Jatiya Sangsad chamber. Each presidential candidate needs the support and nomination from a member of parliament.
