Dhaka, Dec. 29 -- BNP has formed its electoral alliance largely with parties that stood by it during the anti-fascist movement, bringing together moderate democratic, left-leaning and right-leaning groups, even though seat-sharing talks failed with several others.

As part of its electoral strategy, the BNP has formally brought some alliance leaders into the party and given them its election symbol: 'Sheaf of Paddy'.

BNP sources said the party has shared 17 seats with its alliance partners, including those who joined the party to contest with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, while 283 BNP candidates are contesting the polls.

The party is expected to publish a detailed list of both its own candidates and alliance nominees very soon, as the dea...