Dhaka, Jan. 23 -- Late BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia had been nominated in three constituencies for the 13th national parliamentary election. At the time the party announced her candidacy, she was critically ill and undergoing treatment at a hospital, raising concerns about her health.

Under the circumstances, the BNP also named "alternative" candidates in the three seats. They were: Morshed Milton, Upazila BNP president and former Upazila Parishad chairman for in Bogura-7 (Gabtali and Shahjahanpur); former municipal mayor Jahangir Alam for Dinajpur-3 (Sadar); and Rafiqul Islam Majnu for Feni-1 (Sadar).

Khaleda Zia passed away on Dec 30 at a private hospital in Dhaka. Her death immediately sparked debate over the...