Dhaka, Nov 05 (V7N) – Discussions among BNP’s alliance partners have intensified over the 63 seats left vacant by the party in its preliminary list of candidates for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Although several partners are publicly demanding more seats, many are also engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations to secure one or two constituencies through compromise. Alongside seat-sharing, BNP plans to keep open the option for allies to contest under the party’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol.

Party insiders believe that if BNP returns to power, it will duly recognize and reward coalition partners who have stood by its side during street movements. However, the decision to allow BNP leaders to contest independently in multiple constituencies has raised concerns among some alliance members.

According to the BNP’s initial candidate list, Jonayed Saki (Brahmanbaria-6), Mahmudur Rahman Manna (Bogra-2), Tania Rob (Lakshmipur-4), Shahadat Hossain Selim (Lakshmipur-1), Nurul Haque Noor (Patuakhali-3), Rashed Khan (Jhenaidah-2), LDP Chairman Oli Ahmed (Chattogram-13), and Redwan Ahmed (Cumilla-7) have been considered among the vacant seats.

In addition, Andalib Rahman Partha (Dhaka-17), Bobby Hajjaj (Dhaka-13), and Ehsanul Huda of the 12-Party Alliance (Kishoreganj-5) are also being reviewed for inclusion.

Among the religious parties, BNP is reportedly giving special importance to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, a group closely aligned with Hefazat-e-Islam.

BNP may withdraw nominations from Munshiganj-1, Kushtia-2, and Dhaka-12 to accommodate alliance partners. Moreover, if a seat-sharing deal is finalized with the National Citizens Party (NCP), BNP might cede five seats, including Dhaka-11 (Nahid Islam), Dhaka-9 (Tasnim Zara), Cumilla-4 (Hasnat Abdullah), Rangpur-4 (Akhtar Hossain), and Panchagarh-1 (Sarjis Alam).

The party is also considering keeping Dhaka-7, 10, and 18 open for other coalition partners. BNP leaders indicated that the final decision on the remaining 63 seats—particularly those involving internal disputes—will be made during the nomination submission period.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said his party will review the shortlist and hold further discussions with BNP leadership. “When working with partners, BNP, as the major ally, will have to make significant sacrifices,” he said.

Mass Solidarity Movement Chief Coordinator Jonayed Saki mentioned that a few constituencies may remain open for joint candidates, allowing both parties to back the same nominee.

However, preventing rebel candidates remains a major challenge for BNP and its partners, as some leaders have already announced independent candidacies fearing exclusion from the nomination list.

JSD Vice President Tania Rob said, “These matters are being resolved through mutual understanding. The outcome will be clear soon.”

Saiful Haque added, “BNP will not resort to the dirty practices of traditional politics—we hope for a clean and cooperative approach.”

Party sources confirmed that formal seat-sharing discussions between BNP and its partners will begin in the second week of November.

END/SMA/AJ