Despite a strict party stance and multiple rounds of expulsions, internal rebellion within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has not subsided ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. At least 92 leaders of the BNP and its affiliated organizations have defied party directives and remained in the electoral race. As of the final day for withdrawal of nominations on Tuesday (January 20), rebel candidates continued to contest in 79 constituencies alongside officially nominated BNP candidates, raising concerns among party leaders and activists about potential negative impacts on election results. From the outset, the BNP adopted a hardline position against contesting the election in defiance of party decisions. Several leaders were expelled in the initial phase for violating this directive. Subsequently, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman personally met with many rebel candidates in Dhaka, urging them to withdraw. In addition, party-appointed leaders held multiple rounds of meetings with rebel aspirants across constituencies to persuade them to step aside.
However, despite these efforts, the refusal of 92 leaders to withdraw has left lingering unease within the party. The BNP high command had expected that all rebel candidates contesting under independent banners would eventually comply with the party’s decision. That expectation has not been fulfilled.
In constituencies where multiple BNP leaders are contesting, there is growing concern that the party’s core vote base may be split, potentially benefiting rival candidates. The situation has become even more complicated in seats that the BNP had strategically ceded to its allies in the joint movement, where rebel candidates continue to remain in the race, placing the party in an awkward position after nearly a decade and a half out of power.
According to data obtained from Returning Officers’ offices, this assessment is based on an analysis of 295 out of 298 constituencies. Initially, nearly 190 BNP leaders filed nominations in 117 constituencies against party directives. During scrutiny, several nominations were cancelled. Although many candidates withdrew on the final day, 92 ultimately decided to stay in the race.
Meanwhile, at least 13 leaders have been expelled from the party at all levels, including from primary membership, for defying party decisions. Despite expulsion, many of them have openly stated that they will not withdraw from the election under any circumstances.
In Dhaka-12 constituency, the BNP has extended support to Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party and an ally within the Ganatantra Mancha. However, former convener of BNP Dhaka North City unit Saiful Alam (Nirob) is contesting the seat as an independent candidate. Although expelled from the party, he has declared his intention to continue his campaign.
In Brahmanbaria-2, former BNP international affairs co-secretary Rumeen Farhana has refused to withdraw despite the party backing Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. Similarly, in Patuakhali-3, BNP-backed candidate Nurul Haque Noor of Gano Odhikar Parishad faces competition from expelled BNP leader Hasan Mamun, who remains in the race.
The number of rebel candidates is notably higher in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, and Sylhet regions. In Narayanganj alone, rebel BNP candidates are contesting in four out of five constituencies. In Mymensingh, seven of the district’s 11 constituencies have rebel or independent BNP candidates.
The presence of rebel contenders in seats held by influential party leaders has posed an additional challenge. In Tangail-5, BNP central publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku faces competition from district BNP general secretary Farhad Iqbal. In Noakhali-2, BNP advisory council member Zainul Abdin Faruque is being challenged by central executive committee member Kazi Mofizur Rahman.
A senior member of the BNP’s election steering committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“Every possible effort has been made to restrain those contesting against party decisions. Several leaders have been expelled. But the reality is that many are still in the race. Further strict action may be taken against those who continue to defy party discipline.”
The 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to be held on February 12. Election symbols are being allocated on Wednesday (January 21), while formal campaigning will begin on Thursday (January 22). Political observers are now closely watching how the persistence of rebel candidates will ultimately affect the BNP’s electoral strategy and performance.