Dhaka, Nov 21 (V7N) - As Bangladesh approaches the next national parliamentary elections, the nomination process within the BNP remains contentious, triggering protests, clashes, and public unrest across multiple districts. The struggle for party nominations has escalated into factional disputes, with incidents of attacks, legal battles, and road blockades putting local communities at risk.

In Khulna-1 constituency (Dakop-Botiaghata), grassroots BNP leaders have demanded the nomination of former district convenor Amir Ejaz Khan. A public gathering was held on Thursday at Sachibunia Bishwa Road in Botiaghata, organized to promote the 31-point agenda announced by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The meeting was chaired by Khulna Upazila BNP member secretary Khandakar Faruk Hossain, with Amir Ejaz Khan as the chief guest and Sheikh Ashikuzzaman Ashik as the main speaker. Other speakers included veteran freedom fighters and local BNP leaders, who emphasized the party’s need to nominate Amir Ejaz to prevent disillusionment among party supporters.

In Kushtia-4 constituency (Kumarkhali-Khoksa), supporters of Nurul Islam Ansar Pramanik, the local BNP upazila president, protested the nomination of Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi. They blocked the Kushtia-Rajbari regional highway by setting fire on the road and held a public demonstration demanding Ansar Pramanik’s nomination. BNP leaders claimed that Rumi had been inactive in party activities for 17 years, while Ansar Pramanik had organized and strengthened local party structures, leaving grassroots supporters disappointed.

In Pabna-4 constituency (Ishwardi-Atgharia), a torch procession and public rally were held by supporters of Zakaria Pintu demanding the nomination be awarded to him instead of Habibur Rahman Habib. The march started from Parkhidipur Market and culminated with a public assembly where local BNP leaders called for reconsideration of candidate selection.

In Comilla-6 constituency, tensions arose between supporters of nominated candidate former MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury and Amin-ur Rashid Yasin, who organized a prayer gathering to mark Tarique Rahman’s birthday at the same venue. The district administration imposed restrictions to prevent further clashes, but both groups later held separate events within the town.

In Chattogram-12 (Patiya), four senior BNP leaders from the southern district wrote to Tarique Rahman requesting reconsideration of the party’s initial nomination. These leaders include former MP and central BNP member Gazi Mohammad Shahjahan Jewel, former district convenor Mohammad Idris Mia, and former student leaders Rezaul Karim Nesar and Saifuddin Salam Mithu. The nomination for this seat had initially gone to former senior vice-chairman Enamul Haque Enam.

These events reflect ongoing internal disputes within the BNP as grassroots leaders and local supporters push for reconsideration of nominations. The party faces growing challenges in maintaining unity while preparing for the national elections.

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