BNP picks Jahangir for Dhaka-18, Selim for Sirajganj-1 by-polls

BNP today picked SM Jahangir and Selim Reza to contest the upcoming Dhaka-18 and Sirajganj-1 by-elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the names of the candidates under "Sheaf of Paddy' for the two by-polls at a press conference at BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office.

"Our party nominated SM Jahangir for Dhaka-18 by polls while Selim Reza for Sirajganj-1," he said.

The BNP leader said they are joining the by-polls as a liberal Democratic Party. "We believe election is the only way to change the government and we want to use the available minimum democratic space."

Fakhrul said the by-elections can still be held in a good atmosphere if the Election Commission plays its constitutional duties.

The Dhaka-18 seat fell vacant after the death of former minister and Awami League presidium member Sahara Khatun on July 9, while Sirajganj-1 seat became vacant following the demise of former minister and Awami League presidium member Mohammad Nasim on June 13.

The by-elections to the two constituencies will be held on November 12 using electronic voting machines.