With the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, Bangladesh’s political scene is becoming increasingly active. Although the Election Commission has yet to announce the exact date of the polls, parties including the BNP are already busy with preparations. While many parties have almost finalized their candidates by constituency, the BNP has not yet published a list. However, the party plans to prioritize young, educated, and socially engaged leaders. As part of this strategy, a significant number of former student leaders are seeking BNP nominations. Nearly 50 ex-student leaders are vying to contest under the party’s sheaf of paddy symbol. Many of them now hold key positions in different party wings—ranging from the executive committee to various front organizations. Highlighting their past involvement in movements, jail terms, and political cases, they are trying to attract the BNP high command’s attention.

Youth Candidates in Focus

One-third of Bangladesh’s voters are young (aged 18–35). To tap this demographic, BNP intends to give priority to youth candidates in the upcoming election.

“Politics has no future without young leadership. We are selecting candidates based on popularity, organizational skills, and public engagement. Young leaders will be prioritized this time,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a recent interview.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other senior leaders have also stressed the importance of incorporating young voices into the party’s future plans. This has further boosted the optimism of aspiring youth candidates.

Nomination Process

Although BNP has not formally announced its participation in the polls, the party has been actively conducting surveys, interviews, and evaluations to finalize a candidate list. According to party policymakers, contributions to past movements, organizational dedication, and public acceptance will be key criteria in awarding nominations.

Former Student Leaders Seeking Nomination

Former student leaders from different divisions are already in the spotlight as possible candidates:

• Dhaka Division: Ishak Sarkar, Rafiqul Islam Russell, Mir Newaz Ali (Dhaka-7); Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim (Dhaka-10); Mamun Hasan (Dhaka-15); SM Jahangir (Dhaka-18).

• Narayanganj-4: Moshiur Rahman Roni.

• Narsingdi & Munshiganj: Akramul Hasan, Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan Jewel, Iqbal Hossain Shyamal, Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu.

• Tangail: Zobair Al Mahmud Rizvi, Obaidul Haque Nasir, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.

• Sylhet Division: Talha Chowdhury, Shariful Haque Saju, Mahbubur Rahman Sarkar.

• Chattogram Division: Rofi Uddin Faisal, Bajlul Karim Chowdhury Abed, Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie.

• Khulna Division: Rokibul Islam Bokul, Azizul Bari Helal, Rownakul Islam Srabon, among others.

• Barishal Division: Rajib Ahsan, Nurul Islam Masud, Saif Mahmud Jewel, Nurul Islam Noyon, Hasan Al Mamun, Mahbubul Haque Nannu.

• Rajshahi Division: Amirul Islam Khan Alim, Hasan Zafir Tuhin, Raihanul Alam Raihan, Fazlur Rahman Khokon.

• Mymensingh Division: Shahidullah Imran, Karim Sarkar, Akhtaruzzaman Bacchu.

• Faridpur Division: Mahbubul Hasan Pinku, Shahidul Islam Babul, Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon, Sardar Nuruzzaman, SS Jilani.

BNP Leadership’s Position

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury commented, “BNP is a large party, and naturally many will want to contest the election. But the party will choose only qualified, dedicated, and acceptable candidates. There will be no complications over nominations, as everyone has been instructed to remain united.”