In Rangpur-3 constituency, comprising the city corporation and sadar upazila, BNP’s official candidate Shamsuzzaman Samu faces internal conflict as rebel candidate Rita Rahman enters the race. Both are accusing each other of wrongdoing to win voter support, creating an opening for other contenders including Jamaat’s Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal, Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader, Islami Andolon’s Amiruzzaman Pial, BSD’s Abdul Kuddus, and independent candidate Anowara Islam Rani. Observers say these parties are working intensively to exploit BNP’s division.

The dispute began after BNP’s high command nominated Samu, prompting Rita Rahman to announce her independent candidacy, alleging corruption and demanding Samu’s nomination be revoked. Samu’s supporters claim Rahman lives abroad and lacks local commitment, while Rahman’s camp accuses Samu of extortion and being an outsider. District BNP leader and former MP Professor Paritosh Chakraborty warned that rebel candidates weaken the party and urged unity behind the official nominee.

Local analysts suggest the internal rift could shift votes toward Jamaat and other smaller parties, potentially altering the constituency’s electoral outcome.