Several rebel candidates comply with Tarique Rahman’s directive

BNP’s rebel candidates had increasingly become a “thorn in the side” of the party, raising concerns about the division of its vote bank. This situation had put the party in an awkward position and caused internal anxiety. However, Tarique Rahman’s “call” has begun to resolve the issue, with many rebel candidates stepping back from the election in the party’s interest.

Party sources say a list of rebel candidates has been prepared, and they are being called in stages to the BNP chairman’s political office in Gulshan. After meetings there, several independent candidates have publicly announced their decision to comply with the party’s directive.

On January 8, independent candidate Syed A.K. Ekramuzzaman of Brahmanbaria-1 met Tarique Rahman at the Gulshan office. Following the meeting, he announced the withdrawal of his candidacy via a video message.

He said that in his 20-year political career, he has been under the BNP banner and is now stepping aside from the election in favor of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol following the directive of the party’s Acting Chairman.

Ekramuzzaman, once an adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, had been expelled for contesting elections in defiance of party decisions. Previously, he had participated multiple times as a BNP candidate, but in the 12th parliamentary election, he won as an independent candidate.

Murshida Khatun (Murshida Zaman Popy), an independent candidate in Jhenaidah-4, has withdrawn her nomination. She is a member of the district BNP advisory council and the wife of former MP Shahiduzzaman Beltur. On Thursday (January 8), she submitted a written application to the district returning officer to step down from the election.

For Brahmanbaria-6, the BNP left the seat to its ally, Ganosanghati Andolon. Independent candidate M.A. Khalek, a member of BNP’s central executive committee and former MP, was previously expelled for violating party directives but met Tarique Rahman on Wednesday evening. Following this meeting, discussions have begun regarding the possible withdrawal of rebel candidates from this and other constituencies.

In Narayanganj-2, independent candidate and former BNP MP Ataur Rahman Khan Angur had been contesting against BNP’s nominated candidate Nazrul Islam Azad. He was also called to the Gulshan office and spoke with Tarique Rahman, according to a party source.

In Madaripur-3, independent candidate and former joint general secretary of the central Jubo Dal, Asaduzzaman Palash, announced his withdrawal from the election.

In a Facebook post, he stated that he is withdrawing his candidacy out of political loyalty to BNP’s Acting Chairman and respect for the party’s decision.

Independent candidate Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury from Sunamganj-5 has also stepped down. He is a member of BNP’s National Executive Committee and part of the Sunamganj district BNP convening committee. In a social media message, he said he made the decision to withdraw his nomination at Tarique Rahman’s request, in the interest of the party and the country.

Party leaders believe that Tarique Rahman’s initiative may lead several more rebel candidates to step aside, strengthening BNP’s organizational position in the upcoming election.