BNP plans to reshuffle candidacy in 40 seats
Reza Mahmud :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) made a plan to reshuffle its candidates in nearly 40 constituencies as the announced candidacy lists created constant internal tensions across the country.
Sources said, after the party’s recent announcement of the list of 237 candidates, huge protests, road blockades, and demonstrations sparked across several districts, with grassroots activists expressing anger and dissatisfaction.
Party insiders said, the BNP high command is now reconsidering its initial list by replacing candidates in almost 40 constituencies.
Discussions are also underway about including 10 to 15 heavyweight leaders who were excluded from the initial declaration.
When contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan on Thursday told The New Nation, “As per the initial candidacy announcement, it was not confirmed nomination.
The announced list could be changed as per the advices of the party men and if the high command considers that.”
The BNP policy maker also said candidates may reconsider in several seats for the good of the party.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while announcing the preliminary list on 3 November, had stated that the nominations were “not final” and could change at any time.
His remarks triggered strong reactions among party activists, who launched demonstrations in various districts.
Several heavyweight BNP leaders were missing from the list, including four members of the BNP Standing Committee: Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah, Nazrul Islam Khan and Selima Rahman.
Party sources said, the above mentioned two Barristers are now seriously sick while Nazrul Islam Khan always staying out from election race.
Other notable figures excluded include Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Aslam Chowdhury, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Abdus Salam, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Humayun Kabir, former MPs Nazimuddin Alam and Rumin Farhana, Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas, former Munshiganj BNP president Abdul Hai, and divisional organising secretary Mahbubul Haque Nannu.
Contacted, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told The New Nation the party high-command’s decision is above all. Meanwhile Alal’s close leaders still hopeful that party’s high command will give him nomination finally.
Besides, leaders from allied parties involved in the simultaneous movement were also left out, suggesting further adjustments may be imminent. Party insiders confirm that revisions to at least 25-30 seats are almost certain.
Reports from multiple districts indicate nomination-related unrest in a long list of constituencies, including:
Dinajpur-2, Nilphamari-4, Thakurgaon-3, Kurigram-1/2/3, Rangpur-3, Gaibandha-2/4, Joypurhat-1/2, Rajshahi-1/3/4/5, Chapainawabganj-1, Naogaon-1/3/4, Natore-1, Pabna-4, Sirajganj-3, Narayanganj-2, Munshiganj-1/2, Rajbari-2, Narsingdi-4, Tangail-1/7, Mymensingh-3/6/9/11, Netrokona-5, Sherpur-2, Jamalpur-2, Kushtia-1/4, Satkhira-2/3, Barishal-1, Sylhet-6, Sunamganj-5, Moulvibazar-2, Habiganj-4, Chattogram-4/12/13/16, Cumilla-5/6/10, Noakhali-5, Chandpur-2, Brahmanbaria-1/4, and Bandarban.
Beyond internal rifts, BNP now faces pressure over seat-sharing with partners from the simultaneous movement. Names being discussed for alliance nominations include:
# Mahmudur Rahman Manna (Bogura-2)
# Zonayed Saki (Brahmanbaria-5)
# Syed Ehsanul Huda (Kishoreganj-5)
# Prof Omar Faruk (Chattogram-14)
# Dr Redowan Ahmed (Cumilla-7)
# Mustafa Jamal Haider (Pirojpur-1)
# Tania Rab (Lakshmipur-4)
# Shahadat Hossain Selim (Lakshmipur-1)
# Andaleeve Rahman Partha (Dhaka-17)
# Bobby Hajjaj (Dhaka-13)
# Nurul Haque Nur (Patuakhali-3)
# Rashed Khan (Jhenaidah-2)
# Fariduzzaman Farhad (Narail-2)
# Mustafaizur Rahman Iran (Jhalokathi-1)
# Junayed Al Habib (Brahmanbaria-2)
# Dr Reza Kibria (Habiganj-1)
Though BNP has yet to officially confirm these alliance nominations, sources say these seats are “almost finalised” for partners-creating friction with BNP aspirants also lobbying for these constituencies.
With internal conflict, grassroots dissatisfaction, and pressure from alliance partners, BNP’s nomination process has become increasingly complicated.
As election day approaches, the party leadership is racing to finalise a list that balances internal expectations, grassroots unity, and coalition commitments-before the window for adjustments closes.