Growing discontent, emerged within BNP’s grassroots over 14 of the party’s nominated candidates out of the 36 seats in Khulna division for the upcoming parliamentary election, may cost the party those seats.
Allegations have emerged that less popular candidates were selected, sparking widespread frustration among party activists and creating opportunities for other parties and independents to capitalise on the discontent.
According to party leaders and activists, in Khulna Division’s 10 districts, there were candidates considered more popular than the BNP nominees in two constituencies of Satkhira, three in Jashore, two in Bagerhat, two in Jhenaidah, and one each in Khulna, Narail, Kushtia, Meherpur, and Magura. However, for various reasons, these candidates were overlooked.
Upon visiting these constituencies, the truth behind these allegations was evidenced in many cases.
Several BNP leaders, who were denied nominations, told TIMES of Bangladesh that the division teams or those involved in the nomination process had sent misleading signals to the central leadership. They suggested that personal preferences or “other reasons” were behind the nominations, sidelining more popular candidates.
BNP’s central leadership defends nominations
BNP’s central leaders, however, insist that the nominations were made after careful consideration. Despite this, dissatisfaction with the candidate selection process has spread, with discussions about candidate weaknesses now a common topic in local tea shops and public spaces across the region.
Nazrul Islam Khan, a standing committee member of BNP, explained that large parties often have multiple candidates eligible for nomination in each seat, which inevitably leads to dissatisfaction when only one is selected.
He added that many allied or like-minded parties, long supporters of BNP, also have a stake in the nomination process. Despite lingering dissatisfaction, he believes the situation will likely resolve as the election nears.
Strategic nominations to satisfy allies
Sources within BNP suggest that, following the government’s ousting on 5 August 2024, the party has been pushing for a parliamentary election. With the Awami League out of the race, BNP has been attempting to keep its allies and like-minded parties satisfied by offering them seats.
Consequently, in some constituencies, more popular candidates have been sidelined in favour of like-minded candidates or leaders from the Hindu community.
Controversial nominations in Satkhira constituencies
In Satkhira-2, which covers Sadar and Debhata, BNP nominated expelled leader Abdul Rouf. His controversial actions, including taking control of the press club in Satkhira, have caused significant disputes.
A district BNP joint secretary, speaking anonymously, told TIMES, “Although Jamaat’s candidate is more popular in Satkhira-2, if BNP had nominated Rahmatullah Palash or Abdul Alim, it would have been a close fight. Now, Rouf’s nomination may pave the way for Abdul Khalek of Jamaat.”
In Satkhira-3, BNP nominated former MP Kazi Alauddin, but medical professional and BNP executive committe member Shahidul Alam, a well-known figure, was denied the nomination. Alam’s supporters ran a month-long campaign, and now, as an independent candidate, he stands a good chance of winning the seat.
Shahidul Alam told TIMES, “The division team responsible for nominations misled the central leadership and denied many popular candidates.”
Dissatisfaction in other constituencies
In Jashore-1, former BNP office secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti received the initial nomination but was later replaced by Nuruzzaman Liton. Voters from Benapole, Putkhali, Goga, and Ulshi villages expressed stronger support for Tripti, leading to discontent among his supporters.
In Jashore-5 (Manirampur), BNP initially nominated former municipality mayor Shahid Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, but later withdrew his nomination in favour of Rashid Bin Wakkas, a leader from Jamiyat-e-Ulama Islami. Locals are unfamiliar with him, and now Iqbal has decided to contest as an independent candidate.
Senior Vice President of manirampur upazilla BNP Mofizur Rahman said, “We cannot get the nominated candidate elected, so we are supporting Iqbal instead.”
In Jashore-6, former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President and BNP Executive Committee member Kazi Rawnakul Islam Srabon was initially nominated but was replaced by district BNP President Abul Hossain Azad, causing disappointment among his supporters.
In Jhenaidah-4, former General Secretary of Gano Odhikar Parishad, Rashed Khan, was nominated by BNP. However, Saiful Islam Firoz, a senior joint secretary general Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal was considered the more popular candidate. Firoz’s supporters believe his nomination would have ensured BNP a stronger chance of winning.
“Those in control of divisional nominations have created a syndicate, leaving many popular BNP candidates deprived,” Firoz told TIMES, adding that “it will significantly affect the results.”
In Jhenaidah-3, which includes Kotchandpur and Maheshpur, BNP nominated Mehedi Hasan Roni, son of former MP Shahidul Islam. If Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol, former Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar, had been nominated, the race would have been a tight one between him and Jamaat’s Matiar Rahman.
Internal discontent in Bagerhat and other areas
In Bagerhat-1, which covers Chitalmari, Mollahat, and Fakirhat, BNP nominated former Awami League leader Kapil Krishna Mondol. However, local BNP activists had hoped for nominations for either Sheikh Masud Rana or Ahiduzzaman Dipu, both of whom are now contesting as independents.
In Bagerhat-4, which consists of Morelganj, Sharankhola, and Morelganj Municipality, BNP nominated Somnath Dey, a former Awami League member and Hindu leader. His nomination has caused widespread discontent among local BNP leaders, and no visible campaigning has been seen in his favour. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Alim is now capitalising on this internal conflict.
Capitalising on BNP’s internal conflict
In Narail-2, BNP nominated NPP Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad, sparking protests from local BNP General Secretary Monirul Islam, who is now running as an independent candidate. Jamaat’s Ataur Rahman Bachchu is gaining momentum in this constituency.
In Khulna-6, district leader Shafiqul Alam Mona, who had widespread popularity, was overlooked in favour of Monirul Hasan Bappi. This has caused dissatisfaction among local BNP workers.
In Meherpur-2, BNP nominated former MP Amjad Hossain, but supporters of district BNP President Javed Masud Milton, who campaigned for a change in the candidate, are now backing Jamaat’s Nazmul Huda.
In Kushtia-2, Barrister Ragib Rouf Chowdhury was nominated, but former MP Professor Shahidul Islam, a popular figure, was excluded. His supporters are unhappy with the decision.
Internal strife within BNP
Internal conflict within BNP continues to rise as popular candidates are being sidelined, opening the door for Jamaat-e-Islami and independent candidates to benefit.
With more than a month left before the election, these disputes and decisions may still change as campaigning intensifies. BNP is now working to address these internal conflicts and maintain its position in these constituencies.
