BNP is nearing the finalisation of candidates for 16 constituencies in Chattogram ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election, party sources said.
Speculation has intensified as the party high-command has prepared an initial shortlist of potential nominees. With several aspirants in a single seat, internal lobbying and negotiations have gained momentum.
According to party insiders, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is personally reviewing the nomination process for constituencies in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions.
BNP aims to finalise candidates in a unified manner this time, avoiding internal discord, according to party sources. Leaders expect the party’s campaign activities in Chattogram to expand once the list is approved.
BNP Central Organising Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim said the party has not finalised any candidate yet. He said meetings are ongoing with aspirants as per the instructions of the acting chairman, who will make the final call.
The candidate list of the 13th national parliamentary election may be unveiled by Monday or Tuesday, said party insiders. Some seats in Dhaka may be allocated to alliance partners.
The list for the 13th national parliamentary election may be released by Monday or Tuesday, insiders said, adding that a few seats in Dhaka may be left for alliance partners.
The potential BNP candidates in 16 constituencies of Chattogram are:
Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai): Former upazila BNP general secretary Nurul Amin Chairman and expatriate Parvez Sajjad. The party has recently reinstated Nurul Amin’s membership by withdrawing his expulsion order.
Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari): Former North District BNP Joint Convener Sarwar Alamgir, research secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury, and Upazila BNP Convener Colonel Azim Ullah Bahar (Retd) .
Chattogram-3 (Sandwip): Former MP Mostafa Kamal Pasha and central member Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton.
Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda): Advisor to the party chairperson and former joint secretary general Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury FCA.
Chattogram-5 (Hathazari-Bayezid): Central assistant organising secretary Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin.
Chattogram-6 (Raozan): Former BNP vice chairman Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury.
Chattogram-7 (Rangunia): Central member Hummam Quader Chowdhury.
Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali-Chandgaon): Metropolitan BNP convener Ershadullah.
Chattogram-9 (Kotwali–Bakalia): Former CCC) Mayor and former Chattogram Metropolitan BNP President Dr Shahadat Hossain, and central member Shamsul Alam.
Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring –Pahartali–Halishahar–Khulshi): Former minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury ’s son Israfil Khosru, and former leader late Abdullah Al Noman’s son Sayeed Al Noman.
Chattogram-11 (Bandar–Patenga–EPZ–Sadarghat): BNP standing committee member and former minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
Chattogram-12 (Patiya): Former senior joint convener of Patia Enamul Haque Enam.
Chattogram-13 (Anwara–Karnaphuli): Former BNP lawmaker Sarwar Jamal Nizam.
Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish –part of Satkania): LDP President Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmed and his son Omar Faruq.
Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara): Former general secretary of south district BNP, Professor Sheikh Mohammed Mohiuddin, Najmul Mostafa Amin and Mujibur Rahman Chairman.
Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali): Former minister Jafrul Islam Chowdhury ’s son Miskatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa.
Regarding his candidature, possible candidate for Chattogram-1 Nurul Amin Chairman told TIMES of Bangladesh that his expulsion order has been withdrawn but he is not yet certain about the nomination until notified.
Sarwar Alamgir said receiving the nomination would be a victory for grassroots supporters and he has made the highest sacrifices for the party.
When asked, Chattogram-12 nomination aspirant Enamul Haque Enam told TIMES of Bangladesh that he has heard that the party high-command is evaluating the dedicated leaders, and he has been facing attacks and lawsuits for 15 years. He said many are seeking nominations and the party may choose him, though he is still not sure.
