BNP-led coalition to pick consensus candidate for Dhaka North mayoral by-polls

The BNP-led 20-Party coalition has decided to thrown in the ring a single candidate for the Dhaka North mayoral by-polls next month.

Leaders of the alliance say they have agreed to task BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia with the job of nominating a candidate.

The Election Commission has fixed Feb 26 for the voting after the post fell vacant with Annisul Huq’s death.

In the 2015 polls, Huq, who was backed by the ruling Awami League, defeated BNP-backed Tabith Awal.

The Jamaat-e-Islami, a key BNP ally, however, has started campaigning for the by-polls for its Dhaka North unit chief Selim Uddin. 

BNP chief Khaleda held a meeting with the leaders of allies on Monday at her Gulshan office.

Islami Oikya Jote chief MA Rakib told bdnews24.com after the meeting that it has been decided a single candidate will be floated and Khaleda will pick him.

“The coalition leader will decide on the candidate.”

Jamiat e Ulama e Islami’s Abdur Rab Yousufi echoed him while speaking with bdnews24.com. “What she decides is final; there will be no further discussion on it.”

An alliance representative, who attended the meeting, said the Jamaat-e-Islami was criticised by at least two coalition partners for fielding its own candidate.

“Jamaat’s executive council member Abdul Halim told the meeting that they will comply with the alliance's decision,” he told bdnews24.com preferring anonymity.

Jamaat cannot take part in any election as it is not registered with the Election Commission. Its leaders, however, will be able to run as independent candidates.