As the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced candidates for 237 out of 300 constituencies. The list was revealed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a press conference held on Monday (November 3) evening at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Following the announcement, contrasting scenes unfolded across the country—celebratory rallies and sweet distributions in some districts, while arson, vandalism, clashes, and road blockades erupted in others.
Clashes and Arson in Meherpur
In Meherpur’s Gangni upazila, violent clashes broke out between two rival BNP factions on Tuesday (November 4) morning. Supporters of defeated aspirant Javed Masud Milton took to the streets on Monday night, protesting the nomination of former MP Amjad Hossain. The confrontation continued into the next day, leaving at least 19 motorcycles vandalized and one office set on fire. Law enforcement and army personnel later brought the situation under control.
Road Blockade and Arson in Faridganj
In Chandpur’s Faridganj upazila, supporters of local BNP convener M.A. Hannan, who was denied nomination, staged protests from morning to noon on Tuesday. They set tires ablaze and blocked the Faridganj-Raipur road, vandalizing and burning billboards of nominated candidate Lion Md. Harunur Rashid.
Supporters Protest in Satkhira
Supporters of Professor Dr. Shahidul Alam, who was denied nomination in Satkhira-3 (Ashashuni-Kaliganj) constituency, staged demonstrations by burning tires and blocking roads from 6 a.m. to noon. Protesters demanded that the BNP reconsider and reinstate Shahidul Alam as the party’s candidate.
Protests and Rallies in Gauripur
In Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur), supporters of upazila BNP convener Ahammad Tayebur Rahman Hiron held protest rallies and processions late Monday night after he was not nominated. Speaking at the rally, Hiron’s wife Saida Masroor said, “My husband has dedicated 17 years of his life to the party. It is painful to see such a sacrifice go unrecognized.”
Arson and Blockade in Shibchar
In Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), supporters of Sajjad Hossain Siddiqi Lablu, who was excluded in favor of Jaman Kamal Nuruddin Molla, blocked the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway on Monday night and set tires on fire. The blockade disrupted traffic between Dhaka and 21 southern districts before police and local leaders intervened.
Highway Blocked in Comilla Over Leadership Feud
In Comilla-6, supporters of BNP adviser Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin blocked the Dhaka–Chittagong highway late Monday night after former MP Monirul Hoque Chowdhury was declared the party’s nominee. Protesters lit fires on the road, halting traffic for nearly an hour.
Protests and Arson on Highway in Natore
In Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara), supporters of Dr. Yasir Arshad Rajon, who was denied nomination, set tires ablaze on the Bonpara–Pabna highway protesting the selection of Advocate Farzana Sharmin Putul. Police later cleared the road and restored traffic.
Supporters of Aslam Chowdhury Block Roads in Chittagong
In Chittagong-4 (Sitakunda), supporters of former BNP central leader Aslam Chowdhury protested the nomination of Kazi Md. Salauddin by blocking five points along the Dhaka–Chittagong highway on Monday evening. The demonstration caused a major traffic jam that lasted several hours.
Attack on Youth Leader’s Supporters in Magura
In Magura-1, following the nomination of Nitai Roy Chowdhury, supporters of youth leader Rabiul Islam Noyon, who was denied nomination, were reportedly attacked. Noyon posted photos of injured followers on social media, expressing outrage at the incident.
Protests for Nomination Change in Naogaon
In Naogaon-4, supporters of local leader M.A. Matin staged road blockades, demonstrations, and human chains on Tuesday afternoon, demanding his nomination instead of Dr. Ikramul Bari Tipu. Protesters alleged that the party’s central leadership ignored grassroots opinion.
Celebrations Over Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s Candidacies
Despite widespread protests, celebratory processions were also seen in Bogra, Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Feni, where party leaders and activists rejoiced at the announcement that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would contest from Bogra-7, Rangpur-3, and Feni-1, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from Bogra-6. Supporters brought out motorcycle rallies and distributed sweets.
Nomination Withheld and Possible Revisions
In response to local unrest, the BNP has suspended the nomination for Madaripur-1 (Shibchar). Party sources suggest that further adjustments may be made in several constituencies.