BNP struggles to rein in rebels
4 of around 200 BNP rebel candidates withdrew so far
Jan 20 set as final deadline for withdrawal of candidature
BNP already expelled 10 leaders for defying party directives
Rebel candidates active in at least 118 constituencies outside Dhaka
Party leadership warns of further expulsions if rebels do not step aside
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Despite repeated warnings from the BNP, most rebel candidates have remained in the electoral race, causing discomfort among party high-ups.
Only four of around 200 rebel candidates have withdrawn so far, party insiders said. However, the leadership expects more rebels to pull out in the coming days and pledge support to the nominated candidates.
The large number of rebel contenders has already triggered internal feuds and displeased the party’s electoral partners. Political analysts said continued defiance of party decisions could weaken BNP candidates and open the door for opposition contenders to win in several constituencies where tough contests are anticipated.
According to the Election Commission, January 20 is the final date for withdrawal of candidature. Party leaders said with nine days remaining, they hope rebel candidates will accept the party decision and step aside.
The BNP has already expelled 10 party leaders for violating party instructions by contesting the polls as rebel candidates.
An analysis of nomination papers submitted in 63 districts outside Dhaka shows that in 118 constituencies, around 179 BNP leaders filed nomination papers.
In the Dhaka-12 constituency, the BNP did not field any candidate, leaving the seat for Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque. Former convener of the Dhaka North City BNP unit, Saiful Alam Nirab, was expelled from the party for contesting the polls in defiance of party directives.
Nirab said he hopes a decision may come from the BNP within the next two to three days.
In Brahmanbaria-2, the BNP has also not announced its own candidate, as the seat has been allocated to a candidate of Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh.
BNP Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumeen Farhana, who was expelled for contesting the seat, announced that she would continue to run in the election.
In Patuakhali-3, BNP leader Hasan Mamun submitted nomination papers as an independent, defying the party’s decision to leave the seat for Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque.
In Narayanganj-4, Muhammad Gias Uddin collected nomination papers for a seat that has also been allocated to Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam.
In Bhola-1, the BNP gave up the seat for Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partha, yet BNP leader Golam Nabi Alamgir filed nomination papers.
In Natore-1, Jhalokathi-1 and Kishoreganj-1, four rebel candidates are contesting the polls.
TARIQUE’S INTERVENTION
On January 9, BNP Executive Committee member Mijanur Rahman Choudhury, a rebel candidate in Sunamganj-5, announced his decision to withdraw from the election following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
In a verified Facebook post, Mijanur said, “My respected guardian, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, called me to his Gulshan office and requested me to step down from the election for the sake of the party and the country.”
Former lawmaker and Sunamganj BNP convener Kalim Uddin Ahmad is contesting the seat as the party-nominated candidate.
On January 5, BNP leader Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud, wife of late senior party leader Moudud Ahmed, who was contesting as an independent candidate in Noakhali-5, also announced her decision to withdraw after meeting Tarique.
In a Facebook post on January 6, she said, “He (Tarique) asked me to withdraw. In respect to the new chairman, I am withdrawing as an independent candidate for Noakhali-5.”
In Brahmanbaria-6, BNP leader Abdul Khaleque, who had submitted nomination papers as a rebel candidate, announced that he would withdraw from the race.
According to party sources, Tarique held a meeting with Khaleque at his Gulshan office in Dhaka on the afternoon of January 6, where he instructed him to withdraw his nomination.
Speaking at a party meeting at Tejkhali union in Bancharampur on January 10, Khaleque publicly confirmed his decision.
“The party chairman has called me. The party has nominated Zunaid Saki. If the party chief asks me to do this, how can I refuse?” he said.
In the Brahmanbaria-6 constituency, the BNP did not field its own candidate, as the seat was allocated to its partner Ganosamhati Andolon’s chief coordinator Zonayed Saki.
In Brahmanbaria-1, former lawmaker Syed AK Ekramuzzaman, who was earlier expelled from the BNP, announced on January 8 that he would withdraw his nomination and work in support of the BNP-backed candidate.
Party sources said Ekramuzzaman met Tarique at the Gulshan office the same day, where he was instructed to step aside in line with the party’s electoral strategy.
In Jhenaidah-4, independent candidate Murshida Khatun applied to withdraw her nomination. Murshida is the wife of senior BNP leader Shahiduzzaman Beltu. In the same constituency, Rashed Khan, who recently joined the BNP, remains in the race as a party-backed contestant.
Senior party leaders warned that further expulsions would follow if others failed to withdraw within the stipulated time.
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the party expects all rebel candidates to step aside before the deadline.
“We have asked them to respect the party decision and withdraw their nomination papers. We hope they will withdraw. Otherwise, organisational action will be taken,” he said.
Nazrul said many rebel candidates have already informed the party of their intention to quit the race.
Senior BNP leaders said the party has also offered assurances to those stepping aside, including consideration for organisational responsibilities and future participation in local government elections.
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