At least 30 candidates from three opposition parties - Jatiya Party (JP), Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM) and Trinamool BNP (Bangladesh National Party)-- are either withdrawing from the polls or are inactive in their campaign efforts. Of them, at least 25 candidates are from the Jatiya Party.
The candidates from these parties pulled out of the elections till Thursday, complaining that they were not getting support and funds from their organisations. Some also expressed concerns about the election environment and seat sharing with the ruling party.
However, despite withdrawal of the candidacy, the names of these candidates will be in the ballot papers as they have taken the decision to withdraw from the race after expiry of the withdrawal date.
While talking to media over the issue of withdrawal of candidacy of his party leaders, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader said those who are withdrawing from the election and placing blame on central leaders are violating party discipline and acting with personal motivations.
However, earlier on Monday, he said candidates have been given the instruction that they can leave the electoral race if they want, saying, "They have the freedom to decide on their participation in the polls."
Political analysts said the JPs decision to contest the polls through concession of 26 constituencies from the ruling Awami League has made the party candidates in the remaining constituencies feel neglected.
This has resulted in a kind of estrangement among them, which may pose a threat to their organisational strength in the post-election period.
The JP had fielded 265 candidates, followed only by the ALs 266. However, internal dissatisfaction among the partys grassroots leaders has led approximately 25 JP candidates to declare their withdrawal from the elections till Thursday.
Many expressed their disagreement with the strategy of contesting through a compromise with the AL, considering it a mistake.
Besides, some of the candidates who have withdrawn their candidacy said that they were assured from the party that they would be helped with money for the election, but now, those who used their own funds and campaigned are not getting the promised support.
Sohrab Hossain from Chuadanga-1 and Rabiul Islam from Chuadanga-2 of the Jatiya Party formally announced their withdrawal from the election in a press conference on Thursday.
Sohrab said he decided to withdraw due to the demeaning and slanderous behaviour of JP Chairman and General Secretary. "Due to funding issues and non-cooperation of central leaders, I was forced to withdraw from the election." Sabbir Ahmed, JP candidate for Sylhet-5, who also withdrew Wednesday, said the lack of a fair election environment and pressure as reasons for his decision.
"The government promised a free, fair, and impartial election, but that promise is nowhere to be seen on the ground," Sabbir Ahmed said. "There is no environment for a fair election, and its impossible to contest in this situation."
On the same day, Ataur Rahman Ata from Gaibandha-5 withdrew from the election, citing an unfavourable situation.
On January 2, the candidates of Tangail-7, Dinajpur-2, Gazipur-4 and Sunamganj-1 announced their withdrawal from the election.
Earlier on January 1, the nominated candidate of Jatiya Party for Habiganj-2 seat announced his decision not to contest.
On December 31, the candidates of Barishal-2, Barishal-5, Barguna-1 and Gazipur-1 seats also announced their withdrawal.
Jatiya Party candidate MM Niaz Uddin announced his withdrawal from the election on January 1 in two seats in Gazipur.
Niaz Uddin said, "I have stepped down due to unilateral election of the government, overall political situation and personal reasons. There was no discussion with the central leaders about my resignation."
JP Presidium Member Shafiqul Islam Sentu, who was a candidate for Dhaka-13 and 14 seats but later withdrew, said, "GM Quader, Mujibul Haque Chunnu and Anisul Islam Mahmud have committed dishonesty."
"They have destroyed the party for personal gains. They are conducting elections in contract with the government. Not looking for anyone now," he said.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM) initially aimed to make a splash in the election. However, the plan failed, and they ended up fielding candidates in 56 seats. Now, only a few candidates are actively campaigning, and some have already withdrawn from the election. On Tuesday, BNM nominated candidate of Sunamganj-4 constituency, former MP Dewan Shamsul Abedin, announced his withdrawal, complaining that there was "no level playing field in the electoral field."
He cited various conspiracies against him, including attempts by the Election Commission to remove him from the election.
BNMs Acting Chairman Shah Mohammad Abu Zafar, a candidate for Faridpur-1, and Secretary General Shahjahan, contesting in Chandpur-4, are actively campaigning. However, there is little activity in the seats of the rest of the partys candidates.
Meanwhile, Trinamool BNPs Chairperson Shamser Mubin Chowdhury in Sylhet-6, General Secretary Taimur Alam Khandakar in Narayanganj-1, and former MP Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury are conducting rigorous election campaigns. Antara Selima Huda, daughter of the partys founder Nazmul Huda, is also actively campaigning in Munshiganj-1.
Out of the 135 constituencies that Trinamool BNP is contesting, candidates in the remaining constituencies are not actively campaigning. They cited a lack of support from the party, particularly in terms of financial assistance for election expenses.
