The Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while advising against putting up independent candidates in the upcoming national elections, suggested an alternative (dummy) candidate to ensure victory without opposition. Despite not participating in the election, the political parties allied with the Awami League have been advised by Sheikh Hasina to avoid pressuring independent candidates.
On Sunday, Sheikh Hasina discussed these matters with the potential candidates for the Awami League nomination at the Ganobhaban. Multiple sources have confirmed this information.
According to sources, Sheikh Hasina stated that someone’s nomination paper could be rejected in the election, resulting in the possibility of a candidate’s seat becoming vacant or no one other than the Awami League candidate being present. She does not want that.
Internal sources of the Awami League suggest that there is a debate among the party’s policymakers about whether there will be an alliance or a grand alliance this time. In the final moments of nomination withdrawal, some parties may step back from the election. This is why Sheikh Hasina has mentioned the idea of fielding alternative candidates.
Sources familiar with the participation in the exchange of opinions at the meeting indicate that although the BNP may not participate in the election as a party, many leaders of the party may participate as independent candidates. Party leaders are advised not to put pressure on such candidates, as directed by the Awami League President.
