BNP's election run complicated by 92 rebel candidates

As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national elections, the BNP is grappling with an internal challenge, with 92 rebel candidates contesting in 79 constituencies, including around 30 prominent figures with established local support and independent vote banks. 

Despite repeated warnings from party leadership, many rebels have refused to withdraw, leaving official BNP candidates on the back foot in multiple areas. Their defiance has created tense multi-cornered contests in several key constituencies, both in Dhaka and across the country.

Party confident rebels won't sway voters

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told TBS that some disputes are personal and the party is in dialogue with the rebels. 

"Many may withdraw voluntarily. The party's official candidates will not be affected. In some areas, communication is ongoing, and local dynamics are being monitored," he said. 

Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said rebel candidates are unlikely to influence voters in the national election. "People focus on the party symbol. Those who defy the party will lose local influence, and voters will support official candidates," he said.

Many rebels have long histories in their constituencies, with several being former MPs or senior BNP leaders. Local activists continue to support them despite central directives, creating splits within committees. 

In response, the party has taken disciplinary action, expelling 59 leaders on January 21, with additional expulsions in subsequent phases. However, the challenge persists, particularly in constituencies where rebel candidates maintain strong local vote banks.

Rebel candidates challenge BNP nationwide

In Dhaka, three notable rebel candidates with the football symbol are contesting: Ishak Sarkar in Dhaka-7, former organisational secretary of BNP's Jubo Dal, who faces 365 cases; Saiful Alam Nirab in Dhaka-12, supported by the Biplobi Workers Party as part of the alliance; and Syed Abu Bakar Siddiq in Dhaka-14, son of former MP SA Khalek, holding a solid local vote bank. 

These constituencies are likely to see multi-cornered contests against official BNP nominees and alliance partners, political observers said.

Outside the capital, strong rebels include former MPs and senior leaders such as Fazlul Azim and Tanvir Uddin Rajib in Noakhali-6, MAH Selim in Bagerhat-1, 2, and 3, Taiful Islam Tipu and Yasir Arshad Rajon in Natore-1, Hasan Mamun in Patuakhali-3, and Barrister Rumin Farhana in Brahmanbaria-2. 

Other constituencies with influential rebels include Khagrachhari, Kurigram-4, Rajbari-2, Chattogram-16, Sunamganj-4, Tangail-3, Tangail-5, Mymensingh-3, Joypurhat-1, Bagerhat-4, Rajshahi-5, Natore-3, Narayanganj-3, Gopalganj-2, Silhet-5, Jhenaidah-4, Jashore-5, and Narail-2.

Rebel candidates have also complicated matters for BNP alliance partners. In several areas, strong rebels are challenging alliance nominees, creating tense multi-cornered contests. 

In Patuakhali-3, for example, rebel Hasan Mamun has drawn significant support from local BNP workers, while in Brahmanbaria-2, Barrister Rumin Farhana is contesting against alliance-backed Maulana Junaid Al Habib. In Tangail-5 and Natore-1, alliance nominees face similar obstacles, and in Silhet-5, Jhenaidah-4, Jashore-5, and Narail-2, local support for rebels has created uncertainty over outcomes.

According to sources, many of these rebels have been active in their constituencies for decades, with some serving as former MPs or holding key district-level party positions. Their entrenched networks, along with personal followings, make them formidable opponents even against official party candidates. Some local committees are reportedly split, with a portion of party workers supporting the rebels despite repeated directives from the central leadership.