Dhaka, Aug. 10 -- The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance says its presidential bid is aimed at challenging what it calls the BNP's failure to uphold democratic reforms and people's mandate.

It has also defended its choice of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmad, saying he could have won if lawmakers were "free to vote independently".

The alliance collected Oli's nomination form from the Election Commission on Monday.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and alliance Coordinator AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad said the contest was about keeping democratic practice alive, rather than winning or losing.

"If it goes uncontested, democracy is not being practised. We want to restore the democratic tradition and healthy politics," he said.

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