BNP expels 199 leaders for contesting upazila polls

51 more grassroots leaders of BNP have been expelled for defying the party's decision by taking part in the third phase of the upcoming upazila elections. With this latest action, the party has so far expelled 199 leaders for contesting the upazila polls, going against its directives.

As stated in a BNP press release dated Wednesday (May 15), these punitive actions were carried out in accordance with the party's constitution.

According to the statement, it said the 51 leaders of BNP and its associate bodies vying for the posts of chairman, vice chairman, and female vice chairman in the third phase of upazila polls in violation of the party's decision have been expelled from all party positions, including its primary membership. Of the expelled leaders, 17 were contesting for the post of upazila chairman, 25 for vice chairman, and 9 for female vice chairman positions.

Earlier, the party expelled 79 of its grassroots leaders for joining the first phase of the upazila polls held on May 8. It also ousted 69 leaders for participating in the second phase of upazila elections slated for May 21.

The elections for 492 upazilas will be held in four phases, with the third phase scheduled for May 29 and the fourth on June 5.