BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has directed his party leaders not to distribute sweets in their constituencies after getting nomination as candidates for the 13th national election slated for February 2026.
He made the directive during a virtual meeting with nomination aspirants from the Chattogram division on Sunday.
A nomination aspirant, who attended the meeting, told TIMES of Bangladesh on condition of anonymity, Tarique Rahman issued several important guidelines during the discussion.
“Tarique said it is not possible to give nominations to everyone. Whoever gets nomination must be supported by all. Everyone must work unitedly for “sheaf of paddy” symbol. A nominated candidate will not be allowed to distribute even a single sweet in his area.”
The meeting, held as part of the BNP’s final preparations for selecting candidates for the upcoming national election, took place at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan in the afternoon. Nomination seekers from 36 constituencies across Chattogram division, including 16 from Chattogram district, attended the session.
Party sources said the final list of candidates will include a mix of dedicated and young leaders. Special attention will be given to sensitive constituencies such as Raozan and Mirsarai, where local unity and internal disputes will be key factors in nomination decisions.
According to the sources, around 50 BNP leaders from Chattogram district’s 16 constituencies had been active in seeking party’s nomination over the past year and 45 of them were invited to Sunday’s meeting.
The final list will be prepared based on their performance and organisational contribution, they said.
Sarwar Alamgir, a nomination aspirant from Chattogram-2 constituency and a leader of the Chattogram north district BNP, said, “I have been actively involved in various movements of the party for years. This meeting was a test of my fate. If the party gives me a chance, I am ready to contest the election with full commitment.”
Belaet Hossain, an aspirant candidate from Sandwip constituency, said party unity is essential to win the election. “I am a nomination seeker, but I will work in line with the party’s decision. I hope Tarique Rahman will consider our past sacrifices while finalising nominations,” he added.
