Nomination missteps, internal rifts blamed for BNP's Jashore Setback

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has attributed its poor performance in Jashore in the 13th national parliamentary election to flawed nomination decisions, weak management of disgruntled leaders and internal divisions that eroded grassroots mobilisation.

Jamaat-backed candidates won five of the district's six constituencies, leaving the BNP with only one narrowly secured seat. Local analysts and political observers say internal discord and lack of coordination significantly weakened the party's electoral prospects.

District BNP General Secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon acknowledged that the party is reviewing the reasons behind the disappointing outcome. He said several nomination decisions had been handled poorly, creating dissatisfaction among activists and supporters. Many leaders who were denied nominations became inactive during the campaign, hampering organisational efforts.

In Jashore-1 (Sharsha), the BNP initially nominated Mofiqul Hasan Tripti, who enjoyed strong grassroots backing. However, the party later replaced him with Nuruzzaman Liton, prompting many of Tripti's supporters to withdraw from active campaigning.

A similar situation unfolded in Jashore-6 (Keshabpur), where former nominee Rawnakul Islam Shrabon was replaced by Abul Hossain Azad. Shrabon's supporters and a section of local activists disengaged following the change, while rival candidate Muktar Ali consolidated his campaign and strengthened voter outreach.

In Jashore-5 (Monirampur), internal conflict deepened after the BNP replaced local leader Shahid Iqbal with Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam's Rashid Ahmad. Iqbal entered the race as a rebel candidate, splitting BNP votes and enabling Jamaat-backed candidate Gazi Enamul Haq to win the seat.

In Jashore-4, the BNP had initially nominated Krishak Dal Senior Joint Secretary General TS Ayub, but his candidacy was cancelled over loan default allegations. Matiar Farazi, president of Abhaynagar Upazila BNP, was subsequently nominated. Following the change, Ayub's supporters reportedly became inactive, further weakening the campaign.

Party insiders said factionalism and dissatisfaction among nomination-deprived leaders undermined discipline and unity, making it difficult for BNP candidates to compete effectively. Some voters also turned away, citing alleged misconduct such as extortion by local leaders after the 2024 July uprising.

Political observers say the results highlight the need for BNP to reassess its nomination strategy and internal management if it hopes to regain organisational strength in future elections, particularly in districts like Jashore where intra-party disputes proved costly.