Dissatisfaction among those excluded from BNP’s preliminary nomination list – with several now announcing plans to run as independents in multiple constituencies – has pushed the party into a difficult position.
Party leaders say that in constituencies where BNP’s official candidate contests under the “paddy sheaf” symbol, the presence of independents from within the party will inevitably split votes.
This, they warn, will create opportunities for Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties’ candidates while placing BNP-endorsed contenders at a significant disadvantage.
To contain the situation, the BNP has already begun efforts to ease resentment. Senior leaders are holding rounds of meetings with disgruntled aspirants, offering assurances in various forms and urging them to accept the party’s decisions.
On 3 November, the BNP issued its preliminary nominations for 237 constituencies. In more than 45 of these, those denied nominations have expressed strong dissatisfaction. So far, BNP leaders excluded from the list in 25 constituencies have announced they will contest the election as independent candidates.
Multiple BNP sources say the remaining 63 constituencies will be finalised before the election schedule is announced. More than 40 of these seats may be allocated to the party’s allies. In addition, candidates may be changed in several constituencies.
Once the final list is announced – particularly in constituencies handed over to allies or those where candidates are replaced – the party may face renewed turmoil. Fresh resentment may emerge, potentially increasing the number of independent candidates.
Many BNP leaders acknowledge that alliance leaders have had little communication with local BNP workers over the past 17 years. As a result, grassroots activists, many of whom have endured years of legal cases and political repression, are unlikely to work enthusiastically for candidates from allied parties.
“In a large party there is always some dissatisfaction over nominations because many are qualified in the same constituency. But it is not possible to nominate everyone. Even so, no one will ultimately go outside the party symbol,” BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Acknowledging that some constituencies allocated to allies may face challenges, she added, “As a major party, BNP will try its best to overcome any hurdles.”
In Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara), BNP Assistant Office Secretary Taiful Islam Tipu staged a major show of strength in protest after the party nominated Farzana Sharmin Putul, a member of the BNP Media Cell.
“If the nomination given to Putul is not changed, I will contest the election as an independent, giving priority to the people’s demand. I hope the party will recognise those who have remained active on the streets and take into account the wishes of grassroots activists,” he told TIMES.
It is widely believed that other parties – particularly candidates from the Jamaat-led alliance – will benefit in constituencies where discontent has erupted within BNP.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad told TIMES, “It is not the case that we intend to exploit internal rifts in other parties. However, there are various strategies in an electoral battlefield, and candidates naturally use them in their efforts to secure victory.”
Discontent in disputed constituencies
In Satkhira-3 (Ashashuni–Kaliganj), BNP activists enforced continuous road blockades and even called a hartal, demanding the replacement of party-nominated candidate Kazi Alauddin with noted physician and DAB adviser Dr Shahidul Alam. They have announced that if the nomination is not changed, they will not work for the BNP-endorsed candidate.
In Magura-2 (Shalikha–Mohammadpur), the nomination of Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury has prompted former district BNP president and three-term former MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal to declare that he will contest the election as an independent candidate.
In Dhaka-14, Darussalam Thana Acting Convener SA Siddique Saju was served a show-cause notice by the BNP after he led a torch procession protesting the nomination of Sanjida Islam Tuli, founder of Mayer Dak, and calling for her boycott.
In Satkhira-2 (Sadar–Debhata), BNP leaders and activists launched widespread protests after expelled leader Abdur Rouf received the nomination. Local leaders say they want Abdul Alim as the candidate instead.
In Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail–Ashuganj and part of Bijoynagar), the BNP has not yet announced a candidate, fuelling speculation that Jamiat leader Juaid Al Habib may receive the nomination. Prominent BNP leader Rumeen Farhana has hinted that she may run as an independent if she is overlooked.
In Noakhali-5, supporters of BNP Central Rural Development Secretary Bazlul Karim Chowdhury have been staging continuous demonstrations demanding that he replace Fakhrul Islam as the party’s candidate. Fakhrul Islam has been accused within the BNP of having links to the controversial S Alam Group.
In Sunamganj-3 (Jagannathpur and Shantiganj), Barrister Anwar Hossain, former district BNP vice-president, has announced he will contest as an independent in protest at the nomination of UK BNP General Secretary and BNP Central Executive Committee member M Qaiser Ahmed.
In Mymensingh-6 (Phulbaria), the nomination of upazila BNP convener Akhtarul Alam Faruq has prompted Tanvir Ahmed Rana, son of former BNP MP Shamsuddin Ahmed, to declare that he will run as an independent candidate.
In Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj–Baksiganj), the party has nominated its central treasurer and former MP M Rashiduzzaman Millat. In response, Abdur Rouf Talukder, former Baksiganj BNP president and former upazila chairman, has announced he will run as an independent candidate.
In Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda), BNP leaders and activists have been protesting since Kazi Mohammad Salauddin was nominated. Aslam Chowdhury has declared that he will contest as an independent if the nomination is not changed.
In Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa–Dashmina), there is strong speculation that the seat may be given to Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad. Supporters of BNP leader Hasan Mamun have warned they will boycott the election if Nur receives the nomination.
Beyond these constituencies, severe dissatisfaction over nominations is also reported in Dhaka-12, Dhaka-15, Narayanganj-2, Narayanganj-3, Cumilla-6, Cumilla-9, Tangail-3, Dinajpur-2, Naogaon-2, Chandpur-2, Chandpur-4, Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-5, Faridpur-3, Rajbari-1, Tangail-1 and Tangail-2, Kushtia-2, Kushtia-3 and Kushtia-4, Gaibandha-4, Pabna-3, Pabna-4, Joypurhat-1, Joypurhat-2, Naogaon-2, Chattogram-12 and Chattogram-13, Kushtia-4, Sylhet-6, Feni-2 and several others.
