The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance has nominated retired Colonel Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram for Bangladesh’s 23rd presidential election. His name was announced on Sunday afternoon by Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam after an alliance meeting at the residence of the leader of the opposition. The Liberal Democratic Party chairman was selected unanimously, according to Ahmad.

Speaking to journalists, Ahmad said the alliance wanted the country to move in the right direction. Describing himself as a freedom fighter, he said he had served three times as a minister and six times as a member of parliament. He also claimed that there were no scandals or allegations of corruption against him.

Ahmad said the alliance would be happy if a better candidate could be put forward. If not, he said he hoped ruling-party lawmakers would vote for him and create an opportunity to guide the country in the right direction. Asked whether any BNP lawmakers would support him, he declined to comment immediately, saying there was still time and that an application should be submitted first.