DHAKA: BNP alleged that the authorities concerned targeted more than fifty popular leaders and former Members of Parliament (MP) including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia before cancellation of their nomination papers.

Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the allegation at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office on Monday (December 3).

Rizvi said, “Returning Officer and also the Deputy Commissioner of Bogura, rejected nomination forms of Khaleda Zia. In doing so, Khaleda Zia became another target of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fury.”

He also added, saying that the ‘small room’ which is adjacent to returning officer’s office is now ‘talk of the country.”

Returning officers rejected 786 nomination papers, declaring 2,279 candidates qualified across the country out of total 3,065, submitted by aspirants in 300 constituencies.

The 11th national elections are stated for December 30.

BDST: 1419 DEC 3, 2018

AH/RS