Talks on with BNP nomination aspirants to resolve disputes

Highlights:

• BNP reviewing disputes after releasing primary candidate list of 237 seats
• Tarique Rahman mediating virtually with nomination-denied leaders to ease tensions
• Standing Committee reassessing candidates and summoning conflicting groups for talks
• Over 50 constituencies show dissatisfaction, with serious issues in 10–15
• Denied aspirants urged to maintain unity, avoid protests, submit written complaints
• Candidate changes likely; organisational action threatened after election schedule announced

A BNP team is working to identify the exact reasons for nomination-related disputes that emerged since the party announced a primary list of candidates in 237 constituencies for the upcoming national election. 

It is assessing candidates' weaknesses and re-evaluating the position of nomination-denied leaders. Decisions on revising the candidate list will be based on the team's findings.

Reliable party sources say that Tarique Rahman has been speaking virtually from London with many of those denied nominations to resolve disputes. In addition, individual responsibilities have been assigned to members of the BNP Standing Committee. 

Standing Committee members including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir are summoning all parties involved in conflicting constituencies to Dhaka for discussions. Several meetings have already taken place with district-level leaders at the Gulshan office, and standing committee members are also meeting deprived nominees at other convenient locations.

Infograph: TBS

According to party sources, in these meetings the denied aspirants are being advised to maintain party unity, respect party decisions and adhere to party principles. They are also being asked to refrain from any programmes that may cause public inconvenience or damage the party's image. Instead, they have been advised to submit written applications if they have complaints regarding a candidate. Efforts are under way to reach compromises among all groups.

On Tarique Rahman's instructions, the BNP Secretary General has already held talks with nomination-denied leaders in several constituencies in Joypurhat, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Sylhet, Cumilla and Mymensingh. All conflicting constituencies will be covered in phases.

The internal rifts over nominations have become a cause of concern for the BNP as the party announced the primary list of candidates earlier this month.

Since the announcement of potential candidates, discontent has emerged in various seats. Those denied nominations are protesting through demonstrations, processions, rallies, road blockades and gatherings, while many are submitting written complaints to Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

According to information gathered, there is dissatisfaction in more than 50 constituencies.The BNP high command is also concerned that some deprived nominees may run as independent candidates. The party has taken several initiatives to resolve these internal conflicts. 

Several of those denied nominations who attended meetings said that winning would be difficult unless nominations are reconsidered. They have requested fresh surveys or data collection by a neutral person if required. They also said they would not engage in any activities that may damage the party's image.

At a Standing Committee meeting last Monday night, the dispute over nominations was discussed. Some members said that in such a large party, conflicts in a few constituencies are normal. They noted that most candidates are accepted and popular in their areas, but a few seats may require reconsideration.

On 3 November, the BNP announced candidates for 237 seats. The following day, one candidate's nomination was cancelled. Preliminary findings show dissatisfaction in more than 50 constituencies. However, a senior party source said crises have emerged in 20–25 seats, with serious issues in 10–15 seats. The BNP is already considering altering candidates in several constituencies. Final changes will come after the election schedule.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said that after the nomination announcement, conflicts appeared in some seats and that such disputes are normal in a large party. He said he hopes the conflicts will be resolved, and that they have already been pacifying many nomination-denied individuals through dialogue. 

However, he warned that after the schedule is announced, organisational action will be taken against those who do not follow party decisions.

In Dhaka-14, Sanjida Islam Tuli has received the BNP's primary nomination. Supporters of SA Siddiq Saju, acting convener of Darussalam Thana BNP, are demanding a review. A total of 126 office-holding leaders from the BNP and its affiliated organisations have submitted an application to Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman demanding Saju's nomination. 

A section of the local BNP is holding regular programmes in support of this demand. Dhaka North City BNP has issued a show-cause notice to Saju,  for violating party decisions and engaging in activities contrary to party ideals.

In Narayanganj-3, Azharul Islam Mannan has been given the party's primary nomination. Other aspirants have written to the BNP requesting a candidate change in this seat. The letter states that it would not be possible to win an election with Azharul Islam Mannan under any circumstances, and that they are ready to make any sacrifice for the greater interest of the party. 

Local leaders in several other constituencies have also submitted letters seeking candidate changes. These seats include Sylhet-6, Golapganj-2; Chattogram-1; Jashore-1 and 2; Chattogram-1, 12 and 13; Satkhira-2.

In more constituencies, sections of BNP leaders and activists have staged human chains, demonstrations and torch processions demanding candidate changes. These constituencies include Magura-2; Gaibandha-4; Narsingdi-4; Tangail-1 and 5; Jhenaidah-3; Natore-1; Chapainawabganj-2; Mymensingh-3, 6 and 9; Nilphamari-4; Kushtia-2, 3 and 4; Kishoreganj-5; Chattogram-2, 4 and 16; Cumilla-5, 6 and 10; Jamalpur-2; Satkhira-3; Kurigram-1 and 3; Rajshahi-1, 3 and 4; Brahmanbaria-5; Noakhali-2 and 5; Feni-2; Sherpur-1 and 2; Chandpur-4; Meherpur-1, 2 and 3; Naogaon-1, 3 and 4; Joypurhat-2; Pabna-4; Munshiganj-1; Dinajpur-2; Moulvibazar-2; Tangail-3; Sunamganj-1; Brahmanbaria-4; Kushtia-4; Netrakona-5.