Party leaders are actively roaming around their constituencies as BNP and its like-minded parties have yet to finalize the candidates. Meanwhile, they are maintaining regular communication with the party’s top-tier leadership.
It is reported that more than 50 candidates have already received the green signal from senior leaders, but none can be fully assured until they receive the official nomination letters. In contrast, leaders from Jamaat and Islami Andolon, having confirmed their candidacies, have been directed to focus on their respective constituencies.
Sources within BNP stated that multiple surveys were conducted ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Given that BNP participated in only one of the three parliamentary elections held in the past fifteen years and boycotted the other two, many party leaders have limited electoral experience despite their long-term involvement in political movements. This time, such experience is being taken into consideration in the candidate selection process.
For the elections, 10 to 12 nomination aspirants have entered the race for each seat, and many have begun outreach and publication activities in their constituencies. Alongside this, they are also vying for party nominations at the central level. In this selection process, factors such as popularity, opinions of senior party leaders, past sacrifices for the party, contributions to anti-fascist movements, support for leaders and activists during challenging times, integrity, and educational qualifications are being prioritized.
Party sources have confirmed that BNP intends to finalize the candidate selection after carefully verifying these criteria.
Asked about the nominations, BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy told Bangladesh Pratidin, “The party nomination will be awarded to the candidate who can secure the seat, as in a parliamentary system, government formation depends on winning individual constituencies, along with the candidate’s popularity.”
BNP National Executive Committee member and special assistant to the party chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, Sheikh Rabiul Alam Robi, told Bangladesh Pratidin, “People are eagerly waiting to elect their representatives in a fascist-free environment.” He added that BNP requires no special preparations, as the party has consistently struggled to establish a democratic Bangladesh.
Not only BNP leaders, but also figures from both registered and unregistered political parties are assessing their popularity within their constituencies, eager to secure nominations. They are reaching out to the public through various channels to strengthen their positions.
Meanwhile, BNP-aligned parties have begun negotiations with influential BNP leaders, including close aides of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, seeking concessions in as many constituencies as possible. Among parties participating in simultaneous movements, only those with a realistic chance of winning are likely to receive concessions. However, the exact number of seats to be allocated has not yet been finalized.
National People’s Party (NPP) chairman Dr. AZM Fariduzzaman Farhad said he is conducting yard meetings across his constituencies. Highlighting his alliance with BNP, he stated that their coalition has participated in all programs outlined by BNP against the Awami League (AL). He expressed optimism that his seats will receive concessions if the allies’ performance is evaluated.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, “We have finalized the primary candidate selection for all 300 seats, but this is not an official declaration. Even if a seat is allocated, it remains under Jamaat’s control. Any candidate may be asked to relinquish the seat if Jamaat deems it necessary at any time.”
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Mawlana Jalaluddin Ahmed stated, “We will strive to unite all parties and perspectives to participate in the upcoming elections as part of an alliance.” He added, “However, it is crucial to hold elections only after reforms and justice processes are visible. For this reason, we have no objection if the elections are held in April next year, and we will not oppose them if they take place in February.”
Islami Andolon spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said, “We have not launched candidate-centric campaigns yet, although our candidates are ready. Previous arrangements are still in place. If elections are held in the meantime, there will merely be a change of power, not a fundamental transformation. The aspirations of the July Revolution will be completely undermined, and people are disappointed with the political parties that have previously governed the country.”
Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna said that election preparations are gradually beginning and that strategies are being formulated.
Revolutionary Workers Party Secretary General Saiful Haque stated that political parties always engage in some form of election preparation. He added that no formal discussions have yet taken place with BNP regarding participation in the elections, either as part of an alliance or through separate agreements, and that such talks will occur closer to the election date.
JSD General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan said, “We have been preparing for the elections for a long time, and the nominations are currently being finalized.”
Translated by AM
