The 11-party alliance led by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) has finalised Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmad as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam announced Oli's name as a presidential candidate at a press briefing in front of the official residence of the leader of the opposition in parliament in the capital on Sunday.
He said political forces had repeatedly attempted to retain power.
"Bangladesh's political history has seen repeated attempts by different groups to hold on to power. These issues were also discussed at the meeting of the 11-party alliance," he said.
"The alliance has decided to take part in the presidential election. A candidate will be nominated on behalf of the alliance. Our alliance has leaders both inside and outside parliament. So we will field a candidate from among the heads of our constituent parties," Nahid continued.
"Oli Ahmad is an experienced politician. He fought the Liberation War and has served the state in various capacities. He was elected a member of parliament several times. We believe at this critical moment of the country, he can play the role of a guardian if he assumes the office of president," he went on.
"We also believe the government can be guided properly under his leadership," he added.
Nahid also said the 11-party alliance viewed its decision to contest the presidential election as an initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis and establishing a balance of power.
