BNP expels 73 for contesting upazila parishad polls

The BNP has expelled 73 grassroots leaders for participating in the first phase of the upcoming upazila elections, violating the party's decision.

The punitive action was taken against the party leaders as per its constitution, said a press release, signed by BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, on Friday (April 26).

The press release stated that the 73 leaders of BNP and its associated bodies, who are running for the positions of chairman, vice chairman, and female vice chairman in the first phase of upazila polls against the party's decision, have been expelled from all party positions, including their primary membership.

Of them, 28 are vying for the post of upazila chairman while 24 for the vice-chairman post and 21 for the position of female vice-chairman.

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, a total of 152 upazilas across the country are set to go to polls in the first phase on May 8.

The elections for a total of 492 upazilas will be conducted in four phases. The second phase of upazila polls is scheduled for May 23, followed by the third phase on May 29, and the fourth phase on June 5.

The BNP high command previously decided against participating in any elections under the current government and the Election Commission.