Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed announced today that the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will complete his voter registration and National Identity Card (NID) formalities on December 27, following his return to Bangladesh on December 25. He shared this information with the media after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin Ahmed was questioned by a journalist regarding Tarique Rahman’s enrollment in the voter list during the meeting. In response, Salahuddin mentioned that although December 25 is a Thursday, the Election Commission (EC) offices will be open on Saturday, December 27, allowing Tarique Rahman to complete all necessary formalities related to becoming a voter.
Addressing inquiries about law and order, Salahuddin emphasized that maintaining law and order is primarily the government’s responsibility, although the EC has the authority to transfer or appoint civil servants. He expressed hope that the electoral environment would remain conducive and that the law and order situation would improve, allowing citizens to vote freely and independently.
Salahuddin also discussed their meeting with the CEC, where they raised various issues and submitted a written letter on behalf of the BNP. One concern was the requirement for candidates to provide detailed information about any criminal cases in their nomination papers, including certified copies of order sheets for those released on bail. He argued that this requirement is not part of the original Representation of the People Order (RPO).
Furthermore, Salahuddin highlighted the challenges faced due to numerous fictitious cases during a previous regime, which implicated many BNP candidates, citizens, and journalists. He mentioned the complexities surrounding the term ‘accused’ and the necessity for candidates to accurately declare any criminal accusations in their nomination forms.
Lastly, Salahuddin addressed the requirement to open a bank account for election agents’ expenses, requesting clarification from the EC. The meeting was attended by BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Ismail Zabiullah, former Acting Secretary of the Election Commission Dr. Mohammad Zakaria, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud, and Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed.