DHAKA, Dec 02, 2023 (BSS) - A faction of the BNP has again turned to its old 
habit of carrying out arson attacks to burn public property instead of 
participating in the upcoming 12th national polls, said foreign ministry 
today. 

"A fraction of BNP, a major opposition political party -instead of 
participating- resorted to burning private and public properties, blockades, 
hartals, and are boycotting the upcoming election (although many of its own 
leaders are participating)," said the ministry in a post on its verified 
Facebook page.
 
The statement read that a large number of nomination papers were submitted 
amid fanfare and festivity by the aspiring candidates for the upcoming 12th 
national parliamentary elections to be held on January 7, 2024. 
 
The Election Commission received a total of 2,711 nomination papers against 
300 constituencies across the country.
 
After completion of a 15 day timeframe on November 30, 2023, candidates 
totaling 1964 from 30 political parties out of 44 registered political 
parties submitted their nomination papers.
 
A total of 303 candidates from Awami League, 304 from Jatiya Party, 218 from 
Zaker Party, 151 from Trinamool BNP, 142 from National People's Party, 116 
from Bangladesh Congress, and others from the remaining parties submitted 
their nomination papers.
 
The participation of the candidates across a wide variety of political 
parties with a lot of interest and enthusiasm has so far been a hallmark of 
the free, fair and transparent election process which the Election Commission 
is committed to advance.
 
Additionally, the post said, a staggering 747 candidates submitted their 
nomination papers as independent candidates including about 33 former BNP MPs 
and leaders. 
 
This also highlights the participatory nature of the upcoming elections. 
The nomination papers will be scrutinized from December 1-4, 2023, and 
candidatures can be withdrawn by December 17, 2023. 
 
Earlier, the schedule for the 12th national parliamentary elections was 
announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on November 15, 
2023.