A coalition of eight parties led by Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan—groups that have increasingly positioned themselves as rivals to the BNP—has been holding division-level rallies across the country. They have already organised events in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. Their next rally is scheduled for today in Sylhet.

According to leaders involved, the third phase of their candidate announcements—covering the remaining 28 constituencies—will be made soon. Those seats are expected to include partners from the joint anti-authoritarian movement of previous years. However, delays in nominating alliance candidates have generated frustration and resentment. In several constituencies, the party’s declared nominees have also faced backlash. After the announcement of 237 candidates, protests erupted in at least 45 seats, including road blockades, vandalism, marches, human chains, and even demonstrations where supporters wore burial shrouds.

BNP activists say that Khaleda Zia remains a central source of confidence within the party. To them, she is a symbol of unity and inspiration, carrying deep emotional significance among supporters. Her serious illness has become a major source of pressure for the organisation. The anxiety of the past 13 days regarding her health has left many grassroots activists mentally shaken, especially so close to the national election.

This situation created some hesitation among BNP’s top decision-makers as they moved to finalise candidates. Still, by releasing its candidate lists at this stage, the BNP has sent a clear signal that the party’s organisational activities and election strategy remain active despite the crisis. The party appears prepared to return fully to election mode and resume campaigning soon.

Yesterday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters in Kurigram that unless an unexpected crisis arises, the national election is likely to be held in February before Ramadan, and the BNP has already completed its preparations to participate.

Party insiders repeat that Khaleda Zia’s condition has deeply affected morale but has also stirred public sympathy. The leadership hopes to channel that sentiment into renewed organisational strength.

A push to return to public outreach

The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has said the national election is expected in the first half of February. The Chief Election Commissioner told reporters that the election schedule will be announced in the second week of December.

Meanwhile, political tensions, Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health, and the delay in the return of acting chairman Tarique Rahman have left many uncertain about the timing of the schedule’s announcement.

Asked about this on Thursday at the Election Commission office, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said, “We remain engaged in the election process. We have announced party candidates for another 36 seats. Unless there is an unavoidable reason, we do not want to step out of this electoral process. Nor do we want the election to be delayed. The election date should be announced as soon as possible.”

Party officials say that although campaigning slowed over the last 13 days due to Khaleda Zia’s condition, the second-phase announcement of 36 candidates sends a direct message to grassroots workers: it is time to return to the field. Her illness has generated strong emotional resonance among the public, and the BNP aims to turn that sentiment into organisational momentum.

Nazrul Islam Khan reaffirmed the party’s position: “We are in the election process. We have announced candidates for 36 more seats. We do not want to leave this process without a compelling reason, and we do not want the election delayed. The date shouldbe declared quickly.”