As Bangladesh moves toward its 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) finds itself at a critical crossroads. While the official election campaign has yet to begin, intense internal preparations are already underway — led by the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is overseeing the nomination process directly from London. A single phone call from Tarique Rahman now determines who will be the BNP’s chosen candidate. That call serves as the party’s much-coveted “green signal” — a confirmation of nomination — while others, lacking such a call, are effectively out of the race.

According to party insiders, BNP is now in the final phase of its candidate screening process. Tarique Rahman is personally assessing each potential candidate’s popularity, public acceptance, and organizational capacity. Not only is he monitoring reports, but he has also spoken directly with many contenders multiple times. Those who have recently received his directive to begin campaigning are understood to have secured their nominations.

Sources within the party say this year’s nomination process is markedly different from any previous one. Tarique Rahman’s direct involvement is being described as unprecedented. He is not merely approving names; he is personally verifying candidates’ fieldwork, public standing, and grassroots reputation through his own network. In many cases, he has even bypassed local party leaders to speak directly with grassroots organizers — adding a new dimension to the BNP’s selection process.

A senior BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“Unlike before, this time seniority or central connections are not the deciding factors. The ground reality and public preference are what matter most. Tarique Rahman now has comprehensive reports on every constituency. Those with strong positive feedback and broad public acceptance are the ones receiving his call.”

Political analysts believe this new approach is injecting a sense of dynamism and accountability into the party’s organizational structure.

Regarding the nomination timeline, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said:

“By the end of this month, the party will give a ‘green signal’ to single candidates in over two hundred constituencies. We’re in the final stage of the process. Soon, everyone will be officially informed so they can begin campaign preparations.”

Sources confirmed that several potential candidates in Dhaka constituencies have already received calls from Tarique Rahman. Some have even started preparing for campaign activities. The party reportedly plans to prioritize young, professional, and well-known faces in key Dhaka seats — a move aimed at appealing to younger voters.

So far, the following candidates are believed to have received the “green signal” for Dhaka constituencies:

• Dhaka-3: Gayeshwar Chandra Roy

• Dhaka-4: Tanvir Ahmed Robin

• Dhaka-6: Ishraq Hossain

• Dhaka-8: Mirza Abbas

• Dhaka-10: Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim

• Dhaka-12: Habib-un-Nabi Sohel

• Dhaka-13: Bobby Hajjaj (Chairman, NDM)

• Dhaka-15: Mamun Hasan

• Dhaka-16: Aminul Haque

Among the most talked-about names is Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of the “Mayer Dak” (Mother’s Call) movement and sister of disappeared BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon. She has reportedly received Tarique Rahman’s call to contest from Dhaka-14.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka-17 constituency has been allocated to BNP’s alliance partner, Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP). Analysts view this as a sign of BNP’s flexibility and strategic pragmatism in coalition politics.

Beyond Dhaka, the party is finalizing its nationwide candidate list. Sources close to the BNP high command say that in at least 60 constituencies, there is no internal dispute over nominees. These are being treated as the party’s “safe seats.”

Confirmed names in this category include:
Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain (Cumilla-1), Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (Thakurgaon-1), Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan (Narsingdi-2), Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku (Sirajganj-2), Salahuddin Ahmed (Cox’s Bazar-1), Maj. (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed (Bhola-3), Barkatullah Bulu (Noakhali-3), Md. Shahjahan (Noakhali-4), Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie (Laxmipur-3), Mia Nuruddin Apu (Shariatpur-3), Asadul Habib Dulu (Lalmonirhat-3), Anindya Islam Amit (Jashore-3), Rashiduzzaman Millat (Jamalpur-1), Barrister Kaiser Kamal (Netrakona-1), Mahmud Hasan Khan (Chuadanga-2), Fazlul Haque Milon (Gazipur-5), Amirul Islam Khan Alim (Sirajganj-5), Lutfozzaman Babar (Netrakona-4), Barrister Muhammad Naushad Zamir (Panchagarh-1), and Saiful Islam Firoz (Jhenaidah-4).

On October 19, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with nomination aspirants from Sylhet Division at the party’s Gulshan office. The meeting focused on nomination strategy, campaign readiness, and organizational preparations. Similar meetings have already been held with candidates from Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Barishal divisions.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi commented on the process:

“Only those who are most popular and accepted in their constituencies will receive the nomination. Even where there are multiple contenders, their comparative popularity and field activities have been carefully evaluated. The Acting Chairman has personally verified information from grassroots levels. The final announcement will come soon.”

The party high command has issued a strict directive: once a candidate receives the green signal, everyone must work for that candidate. Internal rifts or factional disputes will not be tolerated, and disciplinary actions will be taken if necessary.

Analysts say this firm stance is intended to strengthen internal unity — a crucial factor for BNP, which in past elections often suffered from local infighting.

In the current political context, BNP’s nomination process carries great significance. Selecting strong and popular candidates has become essential for the party. Tarique Rahman’s direct involvement not only consolidates his control over the organization but also helps ensure the quality of nominees.

In terms of coalition politics, BNP is also seeking strategic balance — engaging both long-time allies and new partners in seat-sharing discussions. As Salahuddin Ahmed noted on October 24,

“Talks are ongoing with various political parties regarding alliance formation ahead of the election. Where these discussions will ultimately lead — only time will tell.”

Overall, this nomination process, conducted under Tarique Rahman’s direct supervision, reflects BNP’s effort to establish transparency, accountability, and merit-based selection. It marks a decisive step toward bringing forward capable and younger leadership, while reinvigorating the party’s organizational morale and electoral momentum.