Former Member of Parliament and BNP central committee member K.M. Anwarul Islam has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from the Pabna-3 constituency, which includes Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas. He obtained the nomination papers from the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by several local BNP leaders.

The move comes after the BNP officially nominated Krishak Dal president and agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin for the same seat, triggering protests led by Anwarul Islam and other local BNP leaders. Demonstrations and torch processions were previously held in opposition to the party’s decision, reflecting internal divisions within the local BNP leadership.

Political analysts suggest that Anwarul Islam’s independent candidacy could split the BNP vote in Pabna-3, potentially benefiting rival parties. The development underscores the growing tension within BNP ranks ahead of the upcoming national elections, as several senior figures consider running independently after being denied party nominations.