The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated businessman Jasim Uddin Ahmed, known for his close ties with former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, as its candidate for the Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish–part of Satkania) constituency. The nomination, announced on Sunday and filed on Monday at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s office, has sparked intense criticism on social media and discontent within the party. Local BNP leaders allege that the decision was made centrally without consulting the district unit. Jasim, previously elected as an independent chairman in the 2024 upazila polls that BNP boycotted, is accused by local leaders of having links with influential figures from the former Awami League government. He faces multiple legal cases, including attempted murder and loan default allegations. Senior BNP figures in the district argue that nominating a businessman with such a background undermines the party’s moral and ideological stance. BNP’s south district convener Idris Mia defended the decision, saying the party needed a financially strong candidate to challenge rivals and that Jasim had no formal political affiliation before. However, grassroots leaders have urged Tarique Rahman to reconsider the nomination.