BNP’s Rizvi rebuffs nomination ‘green signal’ reports as ‘conspiracy’

He says nominations will be made through the party’s established organisational process, based on individual performance in party activities

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has dismissed reports suggesting that some party leaders have already received a “green signal” on party nominations, calling the claims baseless and misleading.

Speaking at an emergency press conference at the party headquarters in Naya Paltan on Tuesday, the BNP senior joint secretary general said no candidate had been given prior approval to run from any constituency.

He insisted that nominations would be made through the party’s established organisational process, based on individual performance in party activities, and not on the basis of what he described as “green signals”.

Rizvi explained decisions on candidates for the national election, or any other poll, rest with the party’s parliamentary board. "Our parliamentary board, as you know, is the Standing Committee itself, chaired by the party chairman. The board will have the final say.” he said.

Rizvi urged leaders and activists not to be misled by “fabricated” news reports before the official election schedule is announced. He emphasised that only the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with the BNP central office, can issue such announcements.

“It is not about green signals. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been issuing specific and appropriate instructions for everyone to work together in each area. He has conveyed these instructions to nomination hopefuls, party workers and those holding various posts.”

Quoting Tarique, Rizvi added: “You must all work together. Whoever the party nominates, all of you must get behind that candidate.”

Rizvi added that media reports claiming lists of potential candidates had already been circulated were “unfounded” and risked creating confusion among party members.