BNP faces internal feud over excluded candidates as leadership vows strict action
The candidate announcements, made on 3 November at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, have triggered protests, clashes, road and rail blockades, and incidents of arson across multiple districts
Highlights:
- BNP grassroots angered by exclusion of veteran leaders from nominations
- Candidate announcements sparked protests, clashes, and arson across districts
- At least three deaths linked to internal nomination disputes
- BNP enforcing strict disciplinary action, expelling those defying directives
- Twenty-one candidate nominations under review for possible changes
- Leadership monitoring unrest closely to prevent further pre-election violence
A large section of BNP grassroots leaders and workers have criticised the exclusion of "veteran and eligible" figures from the candidate selection, following the party's announcement of primary nominees for 237 constituencies ahead of the upcoming national elections, and have called for a review of the process.
The candidate announcements, made on 3 November at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, have triggered protests, clashes, road and rail blockades, and incidents of arson across multiple districts. Party insiders say these confrontations have already resulted in at least three deaths linked to internal disputes over nominations.
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In response, BNP has enforced strict measures against those who disobey party directives. Central monitoring teams have been deployed to oversee each constituency, and the party high command has instructed that violators face severe organisational penalties. Several leaders from affiliated and allied organisations have already been expelled.
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told The Business Standard, "Action is being taken against those responsible for clashes and disorder. Many have already been expelled. Party members may have personal preferences or objections to nominees, but public road or rail blockades are unacceptable. Immediate action will continue against those who defy this directive."
The party also suspended the nomination of Kamal Zaman Molla for Madaripur-1, a day after the initial announcement, reflecting ongoing adjustments. Sources indicate BNP is reviewing the candidature of 21 potential nominees for possible changes ahead of the final election schedule.
"Party members may have personal preferences or objections to nominees, but public road or rail blockades are unacceptable."
Several violent incidents have followed the announcements. On 3 November in Munshiganj Sadar, clashes between two BNP factions left Arif Mir dead, and one person was injured.
In Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur), student leader Tanzim Ahmed Abid died following a clash between supporters of nominated candidate M Iqbal Hossain and those of a snubbed contender; five others were injured, prompting the expulsion of five local leaders.
In Chattogram, BNP city coordinator and Chattogram-8 nominee Ershad Ullah suffered injuries in a gun attack during a public outreach event, along with three supporters, resulting in one death.
Tensions escalated into violence in Comilla-9 as rival BNP factions clashed over nominations, leaving at least fifteen people injured. In Gaibandha-5, tensions between supporters of nominated candidate Faruk Alam and expelled leader Nahiduzzaman Nishat prompted authorities to impose Section 144.
In Meherpur-2 (Gangni), a clash between two BNP factions over the district president nomination left twelve people injured.
Demonstrations have also been staged by supporters of MA Hannan in Chandpur-4, Robiul Islam Nayon in Magura-2, Aslam Chowdhury in Sitakunda (Chattogram-4), Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin in Comilla-6, Shahin Shawkat in Chapainawabganj-1, Mahfuz un Nabi Don in Rangpur-3, Md Shahidul Alam in Satkhira-3, Yasir Arshad in Natore-1, and SM Obaidul Haque Nasir in Tangail-3. Similar protests were observed in Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur), Bogura-1, Sherpur-1, and Naogaon-4.
BNP officials say tensions are particularly high in constituencies with internal disputes. The acting leadership is reportedly intervening directly, assuring overlooked leaders of alternative recognition.
The party's high command is closely monitoring developments and reviewing candidate selections in several areas to prevent further unrest ahead of the national election, with potential nomination adjustments anticipated in the coming weeks.
