Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday instructed party lawmakers to minimise internal divisions ahead of the upcoming local government elections and field a single candidate in each constituency to prevent the party vote from splitting.

While chairing the ruling BNP’s parliamentary party meeting at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the BNP chief noted that growing gaps were emerging between party leaders and some MPs in their constituencies and urged them to bridge the gaps.

Noting that the BNP had lost several seats in the national election because of internal divisions, he said rebel candidates could again divide supporters and hurt the BNP’s performance.

In the February 12 national polls, the BNP expelled around 72 rebel candidates.

“The local government elections will begin with the Union Parishad elections. Everyone will have to work together to make sure that the party remains united,” he said.

“The party will support honest, qualified and acceptable candidates, and everyone will have to work for them. Because if the results are poor in this election, it will also have an impact on the Upazila Parishad and Zila Parishad elections.”

Ruling party leaders also discussed the voting procedure and other formalities for today’s presidential election. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni briefed them on the process.

BNP’s presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir bid an emotional farewell to his colleagues at the meeting.

“I will miss all of you. If I have made any mistakes while carrying out my responsibilities, please forgive me,” Fakhrul told party lawmakers.

Fakhrul broke down several times during his speech, casting a pall over the gathering. Lawmakers said Tarique also became emotional.

In his speech, he recalled his memories of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Khaleda Zia. He became particularly emotional while speaking about Khaleda and, at one point, was unable to continue speaking for some time.

Fakhrul said he had served the party in various positions, beginning as president of Thakurgaon district BNP and later serving as senior joint secretary general, acting secretary general and secretary general.

Fakhrul thanked Tarique for trusting him with the presidency and said he would fulfil the responsibility even at the cost of his life, adding that he would make no compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty.

“You have entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will discharge it faithfully,” he said.

Speaking after him, Tarique described the occasion as historic.

“Today is a historic day. We have come this far at a great cost,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Almighty.

Recalling Fakhrul’s role during the BNP’s difficult years, Tarique said he had kept the party united with immense courage during one of its most difficult periods.

“BNP is grateful for his contribution,” he said.