Most BNP Rebel Candidates Stay in Race as Withdrawal Deadline Passes

A large number of rebel candidates from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) remained in the race even on the final day for withdrawing nomination papers, defying party directives, warnings, and expulsions.

As of midnight on Tuesday, data from 295 of the country’s 298 constituencies showed that 92 BNP leaders are still contesting as rebel or independent candidates in 79 seats. In several constituencies, more than one BNP rebel candidate is competing. This information was compiled from returning officers’ offices based on reports submitted by field correspondents.

Initially, around 190 BNP leaders in 117 constituencies had entered the race against party decisions. Some were disqualified during the scrutiny process, while others withdrew their nominations before the deadline. At least 10 leaders have been expelled from BNP, losing their primary membership and all organizational positions for violating party discipline.

In addition to BNP, one rebel candidate from Jamaat-e-Islami has also been identified. He is Professor Jasim Uddin, former district ameer of Jamaat, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the Mymensingh-6 (Phulpur) constituency. He was expelled from the party on December 29.

Tuesday marked the final day for nomination withdrawals for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Voting, along with a national referendum on implementing the July National Charter, is scheduled for February 12. According to the Election Commission, 2,582 nomination papers were submitted nationwide for 300 seats. Under a revised schedule, candidates in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 may withdraw until January 26.

Defiance Continues Despite Expulsions

Several BNP leaders who were expelled from the party have refused to withdraw their nominations, even in constituencies allocated to BNP’s allies under seat-sharing arrangements. Some have openly declared they will remain in the race until polling day.

In Dhaka-12, BNP has supported Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party under its alliance strategy. However, BNP leader Saiful Alam (Nirab), who initially received party nomination but later filed as an independent, remains in the race despite being expelled for breaching party discipline.

In Brahmanbaria-2, former BNP international affairs joint secretary Rumeen Farhana has not withdrawn her nomination, even though BNP has backed a candidate from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam in that seat. She was also expelled for contesting against party decisions.

Similar situations have emerged in Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Sylhet-5, Narayanganj-4, Jessore-5, Kishoreganj-5, and several other constituencies, where expelled or defiant BNP leaders continue as independent candidates despite the party endorsing allied nominees.

Key Figures Still in Contest

Citizen Unity leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna, a key ally in the Democracy Platform, has submitted nominations in both Dhaka-18 and Bogura-2. Although BNP had planned to allocate him one seat, a final decision has not been reached. Manna has publicly stated that he intends to contest in both constituencies.

In the capital, BNP rebel candidates remain active in Dhaka-7, Dhaka-12, and Dhaka-14, challenging both BNP-backed and alliance-supported nominees.

Across districts such as Comilla, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Brahmanbaria, Sunamganj, and Noakhali, multiple BNP leaders—some former MPs, senior organizers, or relatives of prominent figures—are running independently after failing to secure party nominations.

Growing Internal Strain

The persistence of rebel candidates has complicated BNP’s seat-sharing arrangements with its political allies and raised concerns about internal discipline ahead of the election. Party insiders acknowledge growing unease over organizational control as the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches.

Despite expulsions and repeated warnings, a significant section of BNP’s grassroots and senior leadership remains unwilling to step aside, highlighting internal challenges for the party during this crucial electoral contest.