Who contests elections is up to the EC, judiciary: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday (July 19) said decisions on which political parties will be allowed to contest elections rest solely with the Election Commission (EC) and the courts, not political parties.

Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon after submitting the party's annual financial statement, Rizvi said the upcoming local government elections will be non-partisan, adding, "Who will contest and who will not is a matter for the courts and the Election Commission."

Responding to a question on whether BNP would endorse candidates in the local polls, he said the party has not yet taken any decision on the issue.

Asked about Jamaat-e-Islami's demand to bar the Awami League from participating in the elections, Rizvi said BNP would respect whatever decision is taken by the EC and the judiciary.

"It is for the Election Commission and the courts to decide. What other political parties say is not our concern," he said.

Rizvi also noted that BNP submitted its annual financial statement to the EC as required by law, reporting Tk 22.19 crore in income and Tk 15.26 crore in expenditure for the calendar year.