All united under paddy sheaf, regardless of candidate, says Rizvi

The BNP leaders and activists are ‘united’ in supporting the ‘paddy sheaf’ candidates who have been nominated, says the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He made the remark in response to questions from reporters about possible resentment felt by those who failed to bag the party’s final candidacy.

“It is nothing new to have a few small reactions in relation to the candidacu. On the other hand, those nominated by the party are popular in their constituencies; they have a strong bond to the people in their constituencies. The BNP leaders and activists are united and will always be to support those who have been nominated under the sign of the paddy sheaf,” said Rizvi.

“Let me cite a noted person—the bond formed during the time of sorrow is much stronger than the ones developed in happy days. We are passing our days in sorrow and torture, and therefore, our bonds is very strong.”

Supporters of imprisoned BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon staged protests over the rejection of his nomination for the Chandpur-1 seat on Saturday afternoon, just after a press briefing by Rizvi. They met Rizvi to share their objections.

The BNP has chosen Mosharraf Hossain over former state minister for education Ehsanul Hoque Milon for the Chandpur-1 seat.

Rizvi expressed his hope that the EC will accept the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s nominations following her appeal.

“The returning officer has rejected all three nominations of Khaleda illegally, which is a part of the government’s plot,” he said.

“We’ll ask the EC to do justice to our party chief Khaleda Zia. Her candidacy will be accepted if the EC follows the constitution and laws.”

Rizvi urged the EC to take action to stop the arrests of BNP leaders and activists to ensure a ‘level playing field’ in the election.