Jamaat-led 11-party alliance sets Presidencial candidiate Oli ahmed

The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has selected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Colonel (retd.) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam announced the decision on Sunday during a press conference held at the official residence of the leader of the opposition Sunday, 9th Agust.

Addressing reporters, Nahid Islam stated that previous discussions aimed at electing a broadly acceptable president and creating a balance of state power had taken place in Parliament. He noted that there was an expectation that a new president would be elected in accordance with the public aspirations reflected in the July Charter. However, he alleged that the government has failed to properly implement the necessary reform measures and criticized the ongoing politicization of key institutions, including the Election Commission.

The NCP convener pointed out that a primary demand during political movements over the past sixteen years was ensuring a peaceful transfer of power through a neutral caretaker government and an independent Election Commission. He raised questions regarding the decision to extend the current president's tenure by six months, questioning whether pre-exit arrangements or immunity measures were being prepared behind the scenes, and noted that the presidential role during any future caretaker administration remains a significant issue for the nation.

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In light of these concerns, the 11-party alliance held discussions and resolved to participate in the presidential race by fielding a shared candidate from among its leadership. Describing Oli Ahmad as a veteran politician, distinguished freedom fighter, and multi-term parliamentarian, Nahid Islam expressed confidence that his experience would allow him to serve as a guardian figure for the nation during the current political situation. He concluded by criticizing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for not implementing the July Charter, asserting that its stance had missed an opportunity for a consensus candidate.