Oli Pledges Not To Betray Nation After Alliance Nomination

Top leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led opposition alliance gesture to reporters as they announce LDP Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad as their presidential candidate at a press briefing on Minto Road in Dhaka on 9 August 2026.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led opposition alliance has nominated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad as its presidential candidate.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced the decision at a press conference at the opposition leader's official residence on Minto Road in Dhaka on Sunday.

The nomination was decided earlier at a meeting of the alliance's top leaders chaired by Jamaat Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

Speaking at the press conference, Oli said his record of integrity, service in the Liberation War and lack of corruption allegations had led alliance leaders to unanimously select him.

"Everyone felt that, as a Liberation War veteran and a proven individual, I have no allegations of corruption against me and no questions over my educational qualifications," he said.

Expressing gratitude to the nation and alliance leaders and activists, Oli pledged to protect the interests of the people.

"We will never betray the nation from where we stand. We will always stand by the people and work to protect their interests," he said.

Oli founded the LDP in 2006 after leaving the BNP. A former army officer and Liberation War veteran, he was awarded the Bir Bikrom for his role in the 1971 Liberation War.

After retiring from the army, Oli entered politics and served as a BNP lawmaker and minister during Khaleda Zia's government, holding the communications and energy portfolios.

Ahead of the 13th general election, the LDP joined the Jamaat-led alliance, bringing Oli and his party into the broader opposition bloc seeking to contest the election together.