Tarek Rahman, member secretary of Aam Janatar Dal, ended his hunger strike following assurances from BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who later arranged for him to be taken to a hospital.
Around 8:30pm on Sunday, Salahuddin Ahmed met Tarek at the main gate of the Election Commission (EC) building and persuaded him to end the strike.
He told Tarek: “You can file an appeal tomorrow (Monday). Some offices will also make necessary corrections. You should end your hunger strike now.”
He then helped Tarek into an ambulance.
Earlier that day, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed had urged Tarek at a press briefing to call off the strike and pursue an appeal, saying: “Appeals, corrections, amendments, or extensions are all standard procedures. I sincerely request that the hunger strike be ended so the matter can be resolved through legal channels.”
Akhtar Ahmed added: “We have communicated all necessary legal points in writing. If they wish, they can file an appeal and address any deficiencies.”
He further noted: “If registration was not approved due to certain conditions and the party disagrees with some points, that is normal. In such cases, they can apply for reconsideration or amendments. Whether the commission will accept it is a matter for later consideration.”
On November 4, after a final review, the Election Commission approved registration for the National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), and Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party.
A public notice inviting claims or objections will now be issued.
After considering any objections, final registration will be granted.
Tarek Rahman’s party had been excluded from the registration list, prompting him to begin his hunger strike at the EC building’s main gate that afternoon.
