The BNP will take strict organisational action against grassroots leaders who refuse to support the party’s chosen candidates in the upcoming election, acting chairman Tarique Rahman warned on Saturday.

During a one-hour-and-forty-minute virtual meeting with nomination seekers from the Chattogram and Rangpur divisions, Tarique urged party leaders to uphold discipline and strictly follow the central leadership’s decisions ahead of the polls.

He also instructed them to work jointly in constituencies where BNP has decided not to field candidates to accommodate alliance partners.

From the afternoon, nomination seekers began gathering around the party chairperson’s Gulshan office for the meetings. As many arrived with supporters, the area became overcrowded, causing severe traffic congestion.

The BNP high command is currently holding a series of meetings to finalise a single candidate for each constituency. Tarique joined Saturday’s session via video link from London, while nomination seekers from Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, and Rajshahi divisions are scheduled to meet today.

During Saturday’s meeting, Tarique delivered a 40-minute address, followed by remarks from Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed, among others.

According to Sheikh Md Mohiuddin, a nomination seeker from Chattogram-1, Salahuddin cautioned that those who reject the party’s decision would face disciplinary measures. “At that point, Tarique Rahman said Salahuddin is correct, but he does not want expulsion to be the only solution,” Mohiuddin told The Daily Star.

Najmul Mostafa Amin, a nomination seeker from Chattogram-15, added: “Tarique Rahman told us he would be compelled to take organisational action if anyone defied the party’s decision, though he does not want to resort to such measures.”

Mostafizur Rahman, seeking nomination from Chattogram-13, said Tarique and other senior leaders clearly warned against any move to undermine selected candidates.

Tarique also advised those who secure nominations not to celebrate publicly or distribute sweets, as it might hurt the feelings of those who miss out. Instead, he directed them to personally visit the homes of disappointed aspirants and seek their cooperation in campaign activities, said M Idris Mia, convener of Chattogram South District BNP and a nomination seeker from Chattogram-1.

“The upcoming election will be tough. Everyone must work together to ensure victory for the paddy sheaf symbol,” Idris said.

Belayet Hussain, former joint convener of Chattogram North BNP and a nomination seeker from Chattogram-3, said: “We have been told to love the party as we love our child and mother. If BNP returns to power, everyone will get a chance to grow within the organisation.”

Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party will also evaluate those who do not receive nominations.

Nurul Amin, former joint convener of Chattogram North District BNP and a nomination seeker from Chattogram-1, said: “To save the country and the party, there is no alternative but to win the upcoming election. For that, we must stay united.”

In a separate meeting with nomination seekers from the Cumilla (proposed), Faridpur (proposed), and Mymensingh divisions, Tarique reiterated that the BNP intends to pursue inclusive politics and engage with all political forces.

At the end of the session, the leaders raised their hands in pledge to support the party-nominated candidates.

“People still have faith in BNP,” said Aminur Rashid Yasin, a nomination seeker from Cumilla-6. “Tarique Rahman urged us to uphold that trust and avoid any controversial actions. We have all pledged to work for the party’s chosen candidates.”