BNP contesting polls in adverse situation commendable

Badiul Alam Majumdar
Badiul Alam Majumdar

It is very commendable and encouraging that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has given special importance to the youth while naming its candidates for the 11th parliamentary elections. The number of women candidates has also increased, but there should have been more candidates from the minority community. However, joining the polls in an adverse situation is a good sign.

There had been many discussions on BNP joining the election. Several controversial leaders were granted nominations while a number of dedicated ones were denied. There were dissatisfaction and agitation over this. The leaders and activists of the party were not clear over the choice of several candidates either. This is unexpected. However, the party has managed to control the situation finally. The next trial is to survive on the election ground.

The BNP nominations reflect a tendency of familiocracy. This means the progeny and relations of the once top leaders, ministers, or MPs would become the members of the parliament again. This is undesirable. Such tendency affects democracy.

However, the way BNP struck a balance between the youths and the veterans while naming its candidates is promising.

*Badiul Alam Majumdar is the secretary of SHUJAN (Citizens for Good Governance), a civil society organisation. This piece, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Nusrat Nowrin.