BAUPHAL, PATUAKHALI, Nov 14: Despite repeated directives from the BNP high command, nomination seekers in Patuakhali's Bauphal Upazila continue to operate separately, fuelling frustration among grassroots activists ahead of the national polls.
According to field sources, the BNP's Gulshan office summoned the aspirants three times in recent weeks, instructing them to work together for the party's electoral symbol. Each reportedly assured the central leadership that they would unite, but on returning to the constituency, they resumed individual campaigns and showdowns under separate banners.
The rift intensified after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on November 3 announced candidates for 237 constituencies, excluding Patuakhali-2. Party insiders believe the seat may be left for an alliance partner if the BNP contests under a coalition.
For years, several leaders have been preparing for nomination: Central Assistant Office Secretary Munir Hossain; Engineer Shoaib Bashri Hablu, known for identifying Ziaur Rahman's body; former MP Shahidul Alam Talukder; industrialist Faruk Ahmed Talukder; Krishak Dal Joint General Secretary and agriculturist Mizanur Rahman Litu; and Anisur Rahman Anis. Their rivalry has sharply divided the grassroots, with each camp now circulating separate 31-point leaflets and holding solo programmes.
Even party events such as the Jubo Dal founding anniversary on October 28 and the November 7 observance were organised on separate stages. With the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election schedule expected soon, the disunity has left ordinary activists disheartened.
Upazila BNP Member Secretary Apel Mahmud Firoz said some aspirants "changed their tone" immediately after returning from Dhaka. "Despite promising unity, they are holding separate showdowns. They avoid upazila BNP programmes even when invited," he said, adding that the grassroots still stand with the party's mainstream. He hoped all factions would unite once the official nominee is announced.
Nazirpur Union BNP President Assistant Professor Jasim Uddin said they boycott upazila programmes due to objections over the committee's leadership. On the nomination issue, he said unity would return if the party selected a competent, firm, and capable candidate.
Several BNP leaders from Kalishuri, Dholia, and Keshabpur unions - requesting anonymity - said the nomination-centric rivalry has put grassroots activists in a difficult position. "We constantly worry about who will be offended if we attend a particular programme. Sometimes we avoid events altogether to escape this tension," one leader said.
They added that if the party selects a highly educated, competent, honest candidate with a clean image after thoroughly evaluating everyone's political track record since 2001, the divisions would vanish. "The party must also act firmly against those who rebel or betray the nominee. Otherwise, BNP will suffer a major setback in this seat."
Upazila BNP Joint Convenor Samuel Ahmed Lenin admitted that nomination-centric politics was harming the party. "With the polls near, unity is the only way forward," he said.
