Nomination papers have been submitted on behalf of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia for the Feni-1 constituency (Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya) to contest the national election.

Party leaders and activists submitted her nomination form to Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Monira Haque around 1:30pm on Monday.

BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu, National Executive Committee member Abu Taleb, District BNP Convener Sheikh Farid Bahar, Alal Uddin Alal and leaders from different upazilas were present.

People regained voting rights: Fakhrul

Rafiqul Alam Majnu, convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP and election coordinator of the Feni-1 constituency, also submitted his nomination form as an alternative candidate due to Khaleda Zia’s illness.

Abdul Awal Mintu said that an alternative candidate is kept for the seat. “The decision is taken as the party chairperson is ill and an alternative may be considered if she is unable to contest at the last moment,” he added.

Though Khaleda Zia is not physically present in the field, campaigning is continuing in full swing.

Party sources said Feni-1 has long been known as Khaleda Zia’s constituency. She has served as prime minister three times after being elected from this seat.

Local and central party leaders have already distributed leaflets seeking votes for her.

Earlier, on December 21, BNP leaders led by Abu Taleb collected the nomination form for Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Professor Joynal Abedin submitted his nomination papers for Feni-2 constituency, Jamaat-nominated candidate SM Kamal Uddin for Feni-1, and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu for Feni-3.

Actively contribute to nation-rebuilding: Tarique to BNP activists

Besides, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju submitted his nomination for Feni-2, Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan and former Chhatra Shibir central president Dr Fakhruddin Manik for Feni-3, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan also submit their nomination papers.

Feni District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque said a total of 45 aspirants collected nomination papers—13 for Feni-1, 16 for Feni-2 and 16 for Feni-3 constituencies.

The submission of nomination papers continued until 5:00pm on Monday.