In the final moments of collecting and submitting nomination papers for the 13th National Parliament election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is undergoing extensive internal recalculations, with several party candidates being replaced in different constituencies. Party workers believe that nominating loyal and deserving leaders in these seats may now improve the chances of winning. However, nomination disputes are also causing internal conflicts within the party. With activities by rebel candidates and independent contenders in nearly fifty constituencies, many party workers are feeling unsettled.
So far, the party has changed candidates in 17 constituencies, but problems persist in others where conflicts and complexities over nominations remain. Sources say that further changes in nominations may still occur. Since returning to the country, the acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, has introduced several surprises, including candidate changes, and more decisions may come soon.
Since the initial candidate list was announced, protests have taken place across the country by supporters of leaders who were denied nominations. At the time of the first announcement, the party had said that the list was preliminary and subject to change if necessary, based on decisions by the permanent committee or parliamentary board. Following this approach, changes have already been made in 17 seats. In a few cases, the party withdrew its own candidate and chose to support an allied candidate instead. In some seats, changes were made due to age considerations, loan default accusations, and other issues, while loyal and dedicated workers were given priority nominations.
Party sources report that protests, rallies, and demands for candidate changes have been ongoing since the nomination list was published. Under pressure from activists, changes have been made in some seats, and more adjustments are likely. Senior leaders are now evaluating loyalties and contributions to decide further candidate placements. In many vacant seats, nominations are nearly finalized, and party nomination forms have already been submitted.
Yesterday, changes were made in five constituencies. For example, in Dhaka-17, although a candidate from a allied party had been nominated, that decision was reversed, and the BNP acting chairman will contest the election himself. The previously named candidate was moved to Bhola-1. In another seat, Brahmanbaria-4, the party initially nominated a former MP, but due to age and health issues, the nomination was changed to another BNP leader. Similar changes occurred in Chattogram-6 and Narayanganj-5 where nominations were shifted due to controversies or experience.
Leaders who received the new nominations expressed gratitude and vowed to work wholeheartedly for victory and support for the acting chairman’s vision for the country.
Other nomination changes included shifting senior party figures between constituencies and finalizing candidates in places such as Chattogram-11, Dhaka-12, Munshiganj-2, and various seats in Jashore, Kishoreganj-5, and Narail-2. In some cases, coalition partners were given nominations under the symbol of the sheaf of paddy.
Initially, on 3 November, the party had released a list of possible candidates for 237 seats. Over time, additional nominations were finalized, bringing the total to around 272 constituencies covered by the party and its allies.
