BNP’s move to support Salma came in a bid to fill up the void created following cancellation of its aspirants’ candidacy in multiple constituencies.
Salman is a top businessman owning Beximco Group while Salma is the wife of another top businessman Nurul Islam Babul of Jamuna Group.
The rift between the two sides mounted after ruling Awami League men attacked journalists of Jamuna TV and Jugantor, two media outlets owned by Jamuna Group.
Apart from Salma, BNP has also extended support to two other independent candidates Rezaul Karim Bablu for Bogura-7, and Aleya Begum for Joypurhat-1, said Syrul Kabir Khan, a staff of the BNP chairperson’s media wing.
Following the decision, BNP leaders and activists were instructed to work for the duo, he further said.
On Sunday, a total of 103,826,819 voters — 52,371,616 males and 51,455,203 females — will be allowed to exercise their franchise in 299 constituencies out of 300 across the country.