In the run-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, a growing number of BNP leaders have submitted nomination papers as independent candidates alongside party-nominated contenders in several constituencies. This development has caused concern not only among BNP’s central leadership but also among leaders of its alliance partners.

With the Awami League currently barred from political activities, the BNP-led alliance is set to face strong competition from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and an 11-party alliance led by Islami Andolon Bangladesh. In this context, party insiders believe that having a single BNP-backed candidate in each constituency is crucial to securing electoral victories. However, independent candidacies by BNP members are also complicating electoral prospects for allied parties that have received BNP support in specific seats.

When asked by journalists about the issue of rebel candidates, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the party expects all dissident contenders to withdraw their nominations within the official deadline. Failure to do so, he warned, will result in organizational action against those involved.

Nazrul Islam Khan, who is serving as the chairman of the party’s election coordination committee for this election, made the remarks on Friday afternoon in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar after attending a photo exhibition dedicated to the late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

He noted that a party as large as BNP has many capable leaders, some of whom may feel they were overlooked during the nomination process. As a result, some have attempted to remain in the race independently. He added that the party leadership has urged such candidates to respect party decisions and withdraw their nominations, expressing optimism that most would comply before the deadline. According to him, several candidates have already informed the party of their intention to withdraw.

Under the announced election schedule, candidates may withdraw their nominations until January 20. Final symbols will be allocated on January 21, election campaigning will begin on January 22, and polling is scheduled for February 12.

Despite this optimism, BNP has already taken disciplinary action against several leaders who entered the race as independent candidates. In a press release issued on December 30, the party announced the expulsion of nine leaders, including BNP National Executive Committee’s joint international affairs secretary Rumeen Farhana, former Dhaka North BNP convener Saiful Alam (Nirab), and central executive committee member Hasan Mamun.

All three have submitted nomination papers as independent candidates. In Brahmanbaria-2, BNP has endorsed Maulana Junayed Al Habib, a central assistant secretary general of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, as the alliance candidate, despite Rumeen Farhana’s independent bid. In Dhaka-12, BNP initially nominated Saiful Alam but later allocated the seat to Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque, prompting Saiful Alam to contest independently. Meanwhile, in Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa–Dashmina), BNP has supported Nurul Haque, president of Gano Odhikar Parishad, while Hasan Mamun—who had long prepared to contest the seat—also entered the race independently.

Although these leaders are running without official party backing, a significant portion of local BNP activists are reportedly supporting them, a situation described as undesirable by at least one alliance leader.

Responding to questions about the recent killing of a BNP-affiliated leader in Dhaka during the election period, Nazrul Islam Khan said that opposition to democratic progress is not unexpected. He stated that those who work for the country’s independence, sovereignty, and welfare often face enemies who attempt to slow down positive political change. However, he expressed confidence that such actions would not derail the democratic movement.

On law and order, Nazrul Islam Khan emphasized that maintaining public security remains the government’s responsibility. He urged the authorities to act decisively and strategically, warning that groups opposed to elections or democratic transition would continue efforts to destabilize the situation. He added that BNP expects the government to take necessary steps to improve overall law and order.

Later, Nazrul Islam Khan, along with members of the Bogura Media and Cultural Society, visited the grave of Khaleda Zia to pay their respects.