BNP races to finalise candidates as choosing the best ones remains a tall task
BNP leaders confident that all will rally behind chosen candidates
Highlights:
- Sources say BNP finalised candidates for 120 seats
- Candidate surveys ongoing
- Non-selected leaders may get other roles
- Tarique monitoring aspirants nationwide
- For each seat, a shortlist of 5 to 6 candidates being prepared
- Intra-party conflicts remain a concern
With the 13th national elections scheduled for February fast approaching, political momentum is building, and the BNP has accelerated its candidate selection process, finalising several key nominations while a rigorous evaluation continues for the remaining seats.
Sources told TBS that the BNP has finalised candidates for around 120 of the 300 constituencies, with many experienced leaders, including former parliamentarians and ministers, expected to contest.
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Media reports, however, suggest candidates over 200 got the green signal, with about 50 constituencies still under review. A reputed Bangla daily reported that final decisions on the rest of the seats will follow seat allocations for like-minded parties and allies.
BNP has also begun preparing its manifesto, assigning sector-specific policy drafting responsibilities to relevant leaders, according to the report.
Despite progress, political observers said choosing the best candidate for remaining seats remains a complex task and intra-party tensions could rise with some aspirants potentially standing as rebel candidates if overlooked.
At the grassroots level, intra-party conflicts remain a concern. Reports suggest BNP leaders and activists have been embroiled in disputes over leadership, ideology, and personal interests since the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024
Nevertheless, party insiders said every constituency has several qualified, dedicated, clean-image contenders who have proven themselves in activism and enjoy voter acceptance. Verification is ongoing for these constituencies, with phased surveys conducted to identify the most suitable nominees.
BNP leadership, however, remains confident that once nominations are announced, aspirants will rally behind the chosen candidates to secure victories.
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a standing committee member, told The Business Standard that selecting candidates is naturally challenging as many leaders have been active in movements over the past 16–17 years and have worked extensively on the streets.
"For seats with multiple aspirants, the nominee will be the one most capable of attracting voters, enjoying popularity, commanding strong party support, and possessing the necessary qualifications," he said.
BNP sources said detailed personal and political information is being collected on potential candidates. Special teams are monitoring aspirants nationwide, compiling reports sent to acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who will make the final decisions
Tuku added that leaders unlikely to succeed electorally, despite their dedication or leadership qualities, will not be nominated. "However, they are expected to take on alternative roles within the party to utilise their experience."
Party insiders added that non-selected leaders may still contribute to national governance if BNP wins, with performance in district and local government elections influencing future responsibilities.
Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said competition is natural.
"Historically, multiple aspirants competed for each seat. The party evaluated them and selected one candidate, after which all worked collectively in support. We expect the same approach this time, making the process manageable," he said.
Tarique's monitoring team
BNP sources said detailed personal and political information is being collected on potential candidates. Special teams are monitoring aspirants nationwide, compiling reports sent to acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who will make the final decisions.
For each constituency, a shortlist of five to six candidates is being prepared, including former lawmakers from the 2001, 2008, and 2018 elections, alongside younger, popular leaders with clean records.
Tuku noted that Tarique's team is actively tracking candidates in the field to ensure thorough evaluations.
Under Article 14 of BNP's constitution, a parliamentary board chaired by the party chairman holds final authority over nominations. District presidents and general secretaries are members of this board, which will oversee election activities once the schedule is officially announced.
Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that while selecting the best candidates is challenging, it should not be overstated.
"Many aspirants will compete, but the party will nominate only one. We expect everyone to work together to ensure the success of the party candidate, as they have collaborated in past movements with mutual respect," he said.
Possibility of conflicts
At the grassroots level, intra-party conflicts remain a concern. Reports suggest BNP leaders and activists have been embroiled in disputes over leadership, ideology, and personal interests since the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024.
According to the Human Rights Support Society, 89 party members were killed, 546 clashes recorded, and thousands injured over the past 13 months.
Rizvi acknowledged that some conflicts had occurred but said disciplinary measures had reduced disorder, bringing the party back to relative cohesion.
He expressed confidence that once nominations are finalised, internal rivalries would be set aside and members would unite behind their candidates.
