To make the general elections credible, the Election Commission as well as the government will try to convince the BNP to participate in the elections. Since the BNP said it would not do so under the incumbent government, it would not be surprising if anyone left the party to contest in the elections as an independent candidate.
By-elections to six constituencies started this morning with a low turnout in Brahmanbaria-2, and a chase and counter-chase between supporters of the Awami League candidate and those of an independent candidate's in Chapainawabganj-3.