BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations

Facing mounting internal pressure after widespread protests, resentment and clashes across several districts over its list of 237 election candidates, the BNP high command is now considering revising contentious nominations to ease grassroots anger.

Talking to UNB, several senior BNP leaders said the party has begun preparing a list based on feedback from the grassroots, the activities and popularity of the nominated aspirants and the controversies surrounding them.

The list, they said, will be used to reconsider and possibly revise the nominations during the final stage—after the announcement of the election schedule.

Party sources said a BNP team led by Dr Ziauddin Haider, a member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council, is preparing the list of candidates who may come under review.

Besides, the BNP leaders said, they will soon announce some more candidates for the remaining seats as discussions with their alliance partners have begun.

Two BNP Standing Committee members indicated that some dedicated leaders like Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel, who were initially deprived of nominations, may be nominated in suitable seats during the second phase.

“We understand that some of our nominations seem to be incorrect. So, we are in touch with district leaders, taking their feedback about the nominated candidates. We are also receiving applications from some areas requesting changes of candidates on various grounds,” said a BNP Standing Committee member, requesting anonymity.

He said they are now considering reviving candidates who have not strong grassroots support and whose performance so far has been poor.

As part of its internal review, the BNP leader said the party is closely monitoring the field activities of its prospective single candidates.

“Our team is particularly assessing how these nominees are interacting with dedicated local activists, especially those who were denied nominations," he added.

He said the party high command is giving special attention to candidates’ efforts in building unity at the grassroots. “If anyone continues to create division or opposes the official candidate despite sincere reconciliation efforts, the party has decided to take strict disciplinary action against those responsible.”

Another BNP Standing Committee member said the nomination of Kamal Jaman Mollah for the Madaripur-1 constituency has been suspended due to allegations.

“We are receiving such allegations against some other candidates. We are making a list of controversial and poorly performing nominees to review during the final nomination. When we announced the candidates, we clearly stated that this was a primary nomination and changes can be made by our nomination board,” he said.

The BNP leader also said some elderly leaders facing serious health issues, like Mushfiqur Rahman (Brahmanbaria-4), Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu (Barishal-2), SM Faisal (Habiganj-4) and Jainal Abedin (Feni-2) were given primary nominations but appear physically unfit. “We are keeping a close eye on their activities, and they will be included in the review list.”

In addition, he said, primary candidates such as Fakhrul Islam (Noakhali-5) and Mohammad Enamul Haq (Chattogram-12) are under review due to various allegations.

The BNP leader said Fakhrul is accused of having links with Jamaat and S Alam Group, while Enamul is said to have connections with the Awami League and S Alam Group. “They are also not very popular or well accepted at the grassroots. Some other nominated candidates will also be reviewed and may be replaced with popular and well-accepted leaders,”

Other candidates under review for various reasons include Abdul Gafur Sarker (Nilphamari-4), Farjana Sharmain (Natore-1), Ali Asgar Lobi (Khulna-5), Akhtarul Alam (Mymensingh-6), Professor SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu (Gazipur-3), Sardar Sakhwat Hossain Bokul (Narsingdi-4), Emarn Ahmed (Sylhet-6), and Monirul Haq Chowdhury (Cumilla-6).

Party insiders said internal conflicts persist in over two dozen constituencies where rival aspirants remain in strong positions. Unless nominations in these areas are reviewed, several deprived leaders may decide to contest the polls as independent candidates.

They said BNP is evaluating how the announced candidates are behaving with dedicated local leaders and activists, particularly those who were denied nominations.

“The central leadership is also giving importance to efforts by the nominated contenders to restore unity at the grassroots. If a nominated candidate fails to build reconciliation despite sincere efforts, the party is considering replacing them in the interest of electoral unity. But those who continue to create divisions even after reconciliation attempts may face strict organisational action,” said a BNP leader in charge of monitoring the activities of the nominated candidates.

The BNP leader also said some popular local leaders who were denied nominations are being approached by other political parties to run as their candidates or as independents. “There are attempts to divide BNP’s votes by fielding these leaders as independents,” he added.

He said they are verifying the standing of nominated candidates through neutral channels after receiving reports of internal feuds in several districts, and some changes might be made in the initial nomination list following the evaluation.

Grassroots protests and demands for reconsideration of BNP candidates have erupted in 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, following complaints over nominations and the perceived bypassing of dedicated local leaders.

Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said when the party announced the names of 237 potential candidates, it was clearly stated that some changes might be made later based on the decision of the party’s nomination board.

“Since this is not being called a final selection, there remains scope for reconsideration in certain cases. If any decision of the party is found to be incorrect, there is room for review and possible revision,” he added.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said that dissatisfaction in some constituencies is natural. “There might be anger in a few areas. We are observing and handling the situation carefully."