The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Former BNP secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan yesterday said he was yet to decide on which party ticket he would run for the parliament.

"I'll contest in the next parliamentary election, but this time I've no party, nor have I decided on electoral symbol," Bhuiyan said in a public relations campaign in two unions of Shibpur Upazila in Narsingdi district.

"I've been working for the people of this area for 40 years and they have voted me to the parliament thrice," said Bhuiyan, had been elected thrice as lawmaker from BNP.

He was expelled by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia minutes before the joint forces arrested her on Sept. 3 last year

Bhuiyan urged the government to immediately lift the state of emergency for a favourable electoral environment and delay the Upazila election.

The emergency casts fear in the public minds and impedes a free and fair election, Bhuiyan, a former local government minister said.

"To continue with the country's development process, reestablishment of democracy amid election is a must."