Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing a major internal challenge as more than fifty rebel candidates continue to contest despite being expelled. According to the Election Commission’s schedule, Tuesday was the last day to withdraw nominations, but these expelled leaders did not withdraw. Party insiders fear the situation could significantly affect BNP’s unity and vote distribution across several constituencies.

Many long-time BNP leaders reportedly became frustrated after being denied party nominations. Some have chosen to run as independents, while others openly opposed party decisions. Most of these rebel candidates are locally popular figures, raising concerns about vote splits in key districts. The party expelled several leaders, including Saiful Alam (Dhaka-12), Rumin Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), Hasan Mamun (Patuakhali-3), Saiful Islam Firoz (Jhenaidah-4), and others, for violating party discipline.

BNP had earlier left several constituencies for allied parties under a joint movement strategy, but expelled leaders refused to step aside. Observers believe this internal discord could complicate BNP’s electoral prospects in multiple regions.