Dhaka: BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday thanked the Election Commission for ‘ensuing justice’ as most of their aspirants whose nominations had been declared illegal got back their candidatures through appeals.

Taking to reporters at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also hoped that their Chairperson’s nomination will be declared valid if the Commission ensures justice to her, reports the UNB.

‘We think the declaration of most of our candidates valid is our victory. We also hope our leader Khaleda Zia will also be declared a legal candidate if justice is ensured,’ he said.

Fakhrul said the Returning Officers declared illegal the nominations of many of our candidates but most of them were considered as legal runners through the Election Commission hearing. ‘So, I thank the Election Commission.’

He alleged that the Returning Officers declared illegal most of their candidates’ nominations as they had to obey the government order and they could not ensure justice in many cases for that reason.

Replying to a question, Fakhrul said they may announce a partial list of their final candidates for different constituencies after 8:00pm today.

He alleged that the government, being afraid of defeat, is now using state machineries to influence the election.

The BNP leader also alleged that law enforcers continued the arrest of their leaders and activists hampering their organisational activities.

He urged the government and the Election Commission to stop arresting opposition activists and create a proper election atmosphere so that all the parties can exercise their democratic rights.