For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Nomination papers have been submitted on behalf of former prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia for the Bogura-7 constituency in the upcoming general election.
The BNP also submitted nomination papers for Morshed Milton, the chief of the party's Gabtali Upazila unit, as an alternative candidate for the constituency, covering Shahjahanpur and Gabtali Upazilas, on Monday amid concerns over Khaleda's health, reports bdnews24.com.
The 79-year-old has been receiving treatment at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital since Nov 23. She has long suffered from arthritis and diabetes, as well as complex problems involving her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and eyes.
On Saturday, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain described her condition as “complex and critical”.
District BNP leaders said that after a special prayer was held at Bogura Central Mosque in the afternoon for Khaleda's speedy recovery.
Afterwards, nomination papers on behalf of Khaleda were submitted by Helaluzzaman Talukder, an advisor to the BNP chairperson and a former member of parliament.
Meanwhile, Nagorik Oikko chief Mahmudur Rahman Manna submitted his nomination papers for the Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency as part of the BNP-led alliance.
For the same seat, Mir Shahe Alam, president of Shibganj Upazila BNP, also submitted nomination papers as an “alternative candidate”.
In addition, BNP candidate and former lawmaker Kazi Rafiqul Islam submitted his nomination papers for the Bogura-1 (Sariakandi–Sonatala) constituency. Sonatala Upazila BNP chief Ahsan Tayeb Zakir also submitted nomination papers for the seat.
When asked about the matter, former Bogura District BNP general secretary and the party's National Executive Committee member Ali Azgar Hena said that nomination papers had been submitted by three additional candidates for security reasons in the three constituencies.
“Khaleda Zia is ill. If anything happens, the seat could be lost,” he said.
He added that concerns had also been raised over possible loan default issues involving candidates in the Bogura-1 and Bogura-2 constituencies.
“For that reason, alternative candidates have been kept in place to avoid any risk. Since there is still time, a final decision can be made later,” he said.
Amid widespread enthusiasm, nomination papers were also submitted for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency.
Senior district party leaders also submitted nomination papers for Khaleda in the Bogura-7 (Gabtali–Shahjahanpur) constituency.
BNP leaders said the nomination papers were submitted in line with party decisions and in full compliance with Election Commission rules.