BNP Announces Boycott Of Upazila Parishad Elections

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided not to participate in the upcoming upazila parishad elections. This decision was taken at a virtual meeting of the party's Standing Committee on Monday (April 15). A statement issued on Tuesday (April 16) reveals this information.

According to the statement, during the meeting of the Standing Committee, discussions were held regarding the announcement of the Election Commission of the upazila chairman and vice-chairman elections. The meeting noted that the party's previous decisions regarding national parliamentary elections and local government elections have not changed due to the current illegal government. The meeting concluded that fair and credible elections cannot be held under the jurisdiction of this illegitimate government. Therefore, there is no opportunity for the party to participate in the upazila elections.

BNP leaders at the meeting stated that the present government and its puppet Election Commission, as well as the coordinated roles of the administration and police, have abolished national parliamentary and local government elections. This government has ruthlessly suppressed people's fundamental rights, including voting, freedom of expression, and the participation of multiple parties in elections.

They said that the only basis of Awami League's politics is to keep people under fear and maintain power. Therefore, due to the widespread expansion of violent terrorism, BNP remains committed to not being a part of the anti-political and election farce of this illegitimate government. BNP has decided to boycott all stages of the upazila parishad elections starting from May 8 onwards.