Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has urged the rebel candidates to withdraw their nominations and start working in support of those who were nominated by the ruling party.
She assured them that their sacrifices for the greater interest of the party will be rewarded, reports bdnews24.com.
At least 4,000 persons vied for the Awami League’s nominations in the 11th national election but the party chose 250 aspirants for 300 seats, leaving 50 seats for its allies.
The Awami League has more than a single candidate in some seats as some local level leaders are unwilling to leave the seats to the allies.
The party handed a letter from Sheikh Hasina to the journalists just the day before the deadline of nomination withdrawal for the 11th national election slated on December 30.
The Prime Minister urged everyone to work together to help the Grand Alliance win the election and remain in power.
“Everyone has sacrificed and contributed for the politics of Awami League. We had multiple eligible candidates in terms of political sacrifice, skill and popularity in valmost every seat,” she wrote acknowledging the importance of all nomination seekers to the party.
“It was really hard to choose one from the multiple applicants.”
“I offer my heartfelt apology for being unable to nominate you,” she said explaining the candidates were chosen considering the necessity of winning a competitive election.
“Your role in making the Awami League a strong political party is laudable. I express my earnest gratitude to you for your continuous role in implementing the organisational programmes and for working for the welfare of the country.”
“The 11th national election is very important. That is why we have decided to contest it in alliance with political parties nurturing a similar philosophy,” she said, highlighting the political importance of the upcoming election.
“My earnest request to you is to withdraw your nomination and work on behalf of the Grand Alliance candidate instead for the sake of the election.”
“I have noted your hard work and sincerity,” she said, assuring rewards to those who have sacrificed for the party.
The Awami League had multiple candidates in 24 seats, Joint-Secretary General Jahangir Kabir Nanak said in a press briefing on Saturday.
“There were 24 rebel candidates but 6-7 of them have withdrawn their nomination. We have spoken to those who haven’t withdrawn theirs yet; they will do it in the next one or two days.”
The Awami League will be able to win the election and form the government for the third time if everyone remains united, believes Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“I am sure no one has the capacity to defeat the ‘boat logo’ if the Awami League remains united.”