Two senior BNP leaders, Gazi Muhammad Shahjahan Jewel, a former MP, and Saifuddin Salam Mithu, joint convener of Chattogram South BNP, have collected nomination forms for the Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency. Their move comes despite the party’s preliminary nomination of district BNP member Enamul Haque Enam. Representatives of both leaders collected the forms from the Patiya Upazila Executive Officer’s office on Tuesday.

Party insiders confirmed that four BNP aspirants, including Jewel and Mithu, have lodged complaints with the acting chairman against the initial nominee. Mithu told reporters that the final candidate has not yet been announced and pledged to support whoever receives the party’s official endorsement. As of December 23, eight candidates from various parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, Islami Front, and independents, have collected nomination forms.

The internal contest underscores growing tension within BNP’s local ranks ahead of the upcoming national election. Party leaders expect a final decision from the acting chairman soon, which may determine whether the dispute escalates or resolves within party discipline.