As Bangladesh’s 13th national election approaches, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has released a preliminary list of candidates for 236 constituencies, sparking internal disputes in several areas. The party leadership, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has begun meeting with nomination-deprived leaders in Dhaka to ease tensions and ensure unity behind the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf. Some deprived aspirants have pledged loyalty while requesting reconsideration of candidate selections based on local popularity. Discontent has also arisen over the nomination of elderly candidates in multiple constituencies, with local leaders arguing that such figures lack the energy and connection to appeal to younger voters, who now form a significant portion of the electorate. In response, BNP’s high command is reviewing appeals and may revise nominations in certain seats to reflect grassroots sentiment and strengthen electoral prospects. The party aims to maintain cohesion and avoid public discord ahead of the crucial polls.