Published : 11 Aug 2026, 12:41 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:31 AM
The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance says its presidential bid is aimed at challenging what it calls the BNP’s failure to uphold democratic reforms and people’s mandate.
It has also defended its choice of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmad, saying he could have won if lawmakers were “free to vote independently”.
The alliance collected Oli’s nomination form from the Election Commission on Monday.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and alliance Coordinator AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad said the contest was about keeping democratic practice alive, rather than winning or losing.
“If it goes uncontested, democracy is not being practised. We want to restore the democratic tradition and healthy politics,” he said.
Since the parliamentary system returned in the 1990s, ruling-party nominees have won seven of eight presidential elections uncontested. Only the 1991 election went to a vote.
Azad said the alliance wanted to highlight BNP’s failure to implement what he described as the people’s verdict in the referendum, particularly reforms to Article 70, which prevents lawmakers from voting against their party.
The alliance believes Oli could have won if MPs had been free to vote independently.
“Had reforms been made, Oli would certainly have won and been acceptable to everyone,” Azad said.
Under the announced schedule, nominations close Aug 13, scrutiny is on Aug 16, withdrawals end Aug 18 and voting is scheduled for Aug 20.
