With weeks remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, rebel candidates within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are creating uncertainty for both the party and its coalition allies. Of the 14 seats reserved for allies, rebel candidates are active in 12, leaving only two uncontested. Analysts note that rebel candidates often enjoy strong grassroots support because of their long-standing presence in constituencies, while coalition-designated BNP candidates, though nationally prominent, may be less familiar to local voters. Meanwhile, rebel BNP candidates remain active in Dhaka-12, Brahmanbaria-2, Patuakhali-3, Jhenaidah-4, Narail-2, and Jessore-5. In Jhenaidah-4, Rashed Khan, the party nominee, faces Md Saiful Islam Firoz, former BNP candidate in 2018, contesting independently.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 15, 2026 01:28 UTC