Dhaka, Jan 23 (V7N) — Excluding two seats in Pabna, symbols were allocated for 298 seats in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election last Wednesday. A total of 1,981 candidates are contesting in these seats. Of them, 1,732 are from 51 political parties, while 249 are independent candidates.

Among the parties, 29 are partners of the BNP-led alliance, which negotiated seat-sharing arrangements. BNP gave up 17 seats to its partners, of which five candidates joined BNP and entered the field using the paddy sheaf symbol.

However, the alliance faces internal challenges. There are around 450 candidates contesting under the BNP-led alliance for the 298 seats, meaning many seats have more than one candidate from the alliance. While the alliance is not concerned about partner candidates, BNP is facing trouble with its own rebels, including independent candidates in more than 30 seats, including four seats of alliance partners.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, said that Tarique Rahman has assured that all BNP-aligned candidates will campaign for the Kodal Marka in Dhaka-12 constituency.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Movement withdrew from the Jamaat-led 10-party alliance over disagreements on seat allocation. Despite this, the alliance could not resolve conflicts in 13 seats, and 313 candidates are contesting for 298 seats. The NCP has candidates in seven alliance seats.

The Islamic Movement is now contesting independently with candidates in 253 seats, while the Jatiya Party’s Plough Marka is contesting independently in 192 seats.

This highlights the complex landscape of alliances and internal disputes ahead of the February 12 polls.

END/SMA/AJ