As the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing its most serious challenge not from rival parties, but from internal dissent. With the Awami League absent from the electoral race, BNP was expected to enjoy a relatively smooth contest. Instead, the party is now grappling with widespread rebellion by its own leaders, casting doubts over its organisational discipline and electoral strategy. Following the announcement of party nominations, more than a hundred BNP leaders—ranging from central figures to grassroots organisers—have entered the race as independent or rebel candidates, defying party directives. According to party sources, even as the deadline for withdrawal of nominations draws near, over 100 BNP-affiliated candidates remain in the race across more than 60 constituencies nationwide. In many cases, candidates have chosen to continue contesting despite being expelled from the party or resigning from their posts.
Rebellion Spreads from Centre to Grassroots
The scale of rebellion has spread across nearly all administrative divisions of the country—from Barishal to Chattogram and from Rajshahi to Mymensingh. In several constituencies, BNP-nominated candidates are facing one or more rebel contenders, raising concerns of vote-splitting that could significantly undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
In the Barishal division, rebel candidates are active in constituencies such as Barishal-1, Barishal-3, Patuakhali-3 and Jhalakathi-1. The situation is particularly pronounced in the Cumilla region, where almost every seat has seen internal contestation. In Cumilla-9, independent candidate Samira Azim Dola initially signalled her intention to withdraw but later reversed her decision and remained in the race.
Similar scenarios are unfolding in and around Dhaka, with multiple BNP leaders contesting independently in Munshiganj, Manikganj, Dhaka and Narayanganj. In the Khulna region, Narail and Bagerhat have emerged as hotspots of rebellion. The northern districts of Kurigram, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Gaibandha and Thakurgaon have also witnessed persistent defiance.
The Rajshahi division faces an equally challenging situation, with rebel candidates active in almost all constituencies of Rajshahi, Natore and Sirajganj. In the Mymensingh division, the crisis is even deeper, as nearly every constituency has multiple independent candidates linked to BNP. Chattogram, Noakhali, Sylhet and neighbouring districts also present a long list of rebel contenders, adding to the party’s growing concerns.
Expulsions and Appeals Fail to Stem Defiance
In response to the growing dissent, BNP has expelled at least 10 leaders for violating party discipline. In addition, party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has personally reached out to several rebel candidates, urging them to withdraw in the interest of party unity. While some have responded positively, a significant number remain defiant.
Those who have withdrawn include independent candidate Murshida Khatun from Jhenaidah-4, Asaduzzaman Palash from Madaripur-3, BNP nominee Golam Nabi Alamgir from Bhola-1, Syed A.K. Ekramuzzaman from Brahmanbaria-1, and Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury from Sunamganj-5. Independent candidate Hasna Jasmin Uddin Maudud from Noakhali-5 also withdrew following an appeal from Tarique Rahman.
However, Hasan Mamun, an independent candidate from Patuakhali-3 who has already been expelled from the party, has categorically stated that he will remain in the race, saying there is now no scope for him to comply with party instructions.
BNP Leadership Stresses Single Candidate Policy
Despite the challenges, BNP’s election steering committee and senior leadership remain optimistic about resolving the crisis before the withdrawal deadline. Begum Selima Rahman, a Standing Committee member and Vice-Chairperson of the party’s Election Steering Committee, said:
“As a major political party, many individuals aspire to contest elections under BNP. However, sacrifices must be made for the greater interest of the party. There is no scope to go beyond the party’s decision on having a single candidate in each constituency. Otherwise, the party will be compelled to take organisational action.”
BNP Organising Secretary Bilkis Jahan Shirin said the party chairperson’s directives are being communicated to all constituencies with multiple or independent candidates. She expressed hope that most disputes would be resolved before the final day of nomination withdrawal.
Rebels Maintain Firm Stance
Despite repeated appeals, many rebel candidates remain determined to contest. Saiful Alam Nirab, an independent candidate from Dhaka-8, said after meeting Tarique Rahman:
“I collected and submitted my nomination papers as an independent candidate, and I will contest the election. The people of my constituency are with me. I met Chairman Tarique Rahman and sought his prayers, which he kindly gave. Inshallah, I will win.”
What Lies Ahead?
Political analysts believe that while the absence of the Awami League presents BNP with a rare electoral opportunity, internal rebellion could significantly weaken that advantage. Much now depends on whether BNP can successfully enforce party discipline and ensure a single candidate in each constituency by the nomination withdrawal deadline on January 20.
Whether BNP can extinguish this internal fire or whether it will escalate into a larger organisational crisis remains a key question as the election draws closer.