BNP Weighs Revising Nominations Amid Grassroots Anger

The BNP high command is considering revising several nominations following widespread protests, resentment and clashes in multiple districts over its list of 237 potential election candidates. Senior party leaders said the review process has already begun in response to mounting pressure from the grassroots.

According to party insiders, a list is being prepared based on local feedback, the activities and popularity of the nominated contenders, and the controversies associated with them. This list will guide the final round of revisions once the election schedule is announced.

A review team led by Dr Ziauddin Haider, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, has been tasked with identifying candidates under scrutiny. The party is also preparing to announce additional nominees for the remaining constituencies following discussions with alliance partners.

Two members of the BNP Standing Committee indicated that dedicated leaders who were initially overlooked—such as Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel—may be considered during the second phase of nominations.

A BNP Standing Committee member, requesting anonymity, acknowledged that some choices “seem to be incorrect”. He said the party is in contact with district leaders to assess the standing of nominated candidates. Applications seeking changes have also been received from several constituencies.

He noted that the party is evaluating nominees who lack strong grassroots support or whose political performance has been weak. As part of the internal review, the party is monitoring how single nominees are engaging with local activists, especially those who were denied nominations. Unity at the grassroots is being treated as a key criterion.

“If any candidate continues to create division despite sincere reconciliation efforts, strict disciplinary action will be taken,” he said.

The nomination of Kamal Jaman Mollah in Madaripur-1 has already been suspended due to allegations against him. Other nominees are also under review. Some elderly leaders with serious health issues—such as Mushfiqur Rahman (Brahmanbaria-4), Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu (Barishal-2), SM Faisal (Habiganj-4) and Jainal Abedin (Feni-2)—may be reconsidered due to physical unfitness.

Candidates facing allegations include Fakhrul Islam (Noakhali-5) and Mohammad Enamul Haq (Chattogram-12), accused of maintaining links with opposing political groups and influential business interests. Both are also described as unpopular at the grassroots. Additional nominees likely to be reviewed include Abdul Gafur Sarker (Nilphamari-4), Farjana Sharmain (Natore-1), Ali Asgar Lobi (Khulna-5), Akhtarul Alam (Mymensingh-6), Nabiullah Nobi (Dhaka-5), Professor SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu (Gazipur-3), Sardar Sakhwat Hossain Bokul (Narsingdi-4), Emarn Ahmed (Sylhet-6) and Monirul Haq Chowdhury (Cumilla-6).

Internal conflicts reportedly persist in more than two dozen constituencies where rival aspirants remain influential. If these disputes are not addressed, several deprived leaders may run as independent candidates. The party is evaluating the behaviour of nominated contenders toward dedicated local activists to determine whether they are capable of restoring unity.

BNP sources also said some popular leaders who were denied nominations are being approached by other political groups to run under different banners or as independents—moves seen as attempts to split the BNP vote.

The party is verifying the standing of nominees through neutral assessments after receiving reports of factionalism in several districts. Adjustments to the initial list may follow after the evaluation.

Grassroots protests demanding reconsideration of nominations have erupted in constituencies including Satkhira-2, Satkhira-3, Mymensingh-3, Mymensingh-6, Brahmanbaria-4, Brahmanbaria-5, Sylhet-4, Chapainawabganj-2, Habiganj-4, Rangpur-3, Cox’s Bazar-4, Narsingdi-4, Narayanganj-2, Meherpur-2, Chattogram-2, Chattogram-4, Chattogram-16, Natore-1, Gazipur-3, Sunamganj-5, Netrakona-3, Chandpur-2, Chandpur-4, Gopalganj-2, Noakhali-5 and Madaripur-1.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nominations were announced as a preliminary list, leaving room for adjustments. “If any decision is found to be incorrect, there is scope for review and revision,” he said.

Another Standing Committee member, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, said dissatisfaction in some constituencies is natural. “There might be anger in a few areas. We are observing and handling the situation carefully,” he added.