Internal pressure within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has intensified ahead of the 13th parliamentary election as 92 rebel candidates are contesting in 79 constituencies, defying party directives. Around 30 of these candidates are described as strong and locally popular, raising concerns that the rebellion could divide the party’s vote base and challenge its electoral allies. BNP leaders, however, maintain that the situation will not affect the overall election outcome.

Senior BNP figures such as Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi have acknowledged internal conflicts, with some rebels being expelled and local committees dissolved. Despite repeated warnings from the central leadership, many local activists continue to support the independent contenders, causing divisions within local party units. The rebels include former MPs and long-time local leaders with established voter networks.

The rebellion has also placed BNP’s alliance partners under pressure in several constituencies, including Dhaka-12, Patuakhali-3, and Brahmanbaria-2, where rebel BNP candidates are competing against coalition nominees. This internal rift poses a significant challenge for BNP’s electoral strategy and unity.