Tuesday, 04 November, 2025
In a bold and decisive step toward the national parliamentary elections in February 2026, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday unveiled a list of 237 potential candidates, signalling its readiness for the February polls.
The announcement positions the party as a key player in the electoral process at a moment when Bangladesh’s democracy stands at a critical crossroads, highlighting BNP’s commitment to the constitutional process and a peaceful, timely election.
It is clear that BNP is fully prepared for the February elections. However, the pressing question remains: Can the polls be held on time as political tensions and disagreements over the referendum continue to raise red flags?
The warning from Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin underscores the stakes. BNP’s candidate list was unveiled just hours after he cautioned that Bangladesh stands at a “very critical moment,” stressing that the nation’s democratic future depends on holding a credible and inclusive election.
“Which direction we will move as a nation and how we will walk the path of democracy — these depend on the next election,” he said, highlighting the urgent responsibility of political actors to uphold the Constitution and maintain public trust in the electoral process.
BNP’s lineup is both strategic and striking, leaving 63 parliamentary seats open to accommodate allies. This signals a deliberate effort to build a broad coalition while maintaining party unity.
The list blends seasoned leaders with emerging figures, reflecting the party’s commitment to continuity, innovation, and forward-looking leadership. Among those contesting are Tarique Rahman (Bogura-6), Khaleda Zia (Dinajpur-3, Bogura-7, Feni-1), and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (Thakurgaon-1).
However, the list also surprised many within the party. Several senior standing committee members, including Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Rafiqul Islam Mia, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Selima Rahman, were left out, while newer leaders and loyalists were included—a move analysts interpret as a strategic balance of experience and fresh energy.
Experts say the reshuffle aims to strengthen internal cohesion, enhance public confidence, and demonstrate BNP’s preparedness for the upcoming election.
The announcement immediately sparked reactions in some areas, with supporters of top leaders staging protests, blocking roads, and clashing with rival factions, reflecting the high political stakes. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has indicated it will nominate young BNP leaders, while Jamaat-e-Islami and allied parties plan to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to mediate discussions over the referendum process.
Despite these tensions, BNP’s focus on presenting a complete and credible candidate list reinforces its respect for the constitutional mandate. By preparing well in advance, the party is signalling its intent to participate fully in the democratic process, uphold parliamentary governance, and safeguard the integrity of national elections.
The interim government has reiterated that the February election will proceed as scheduled under the authority of the Election Commission. CEC Nasir Uddin emphasised the constitutional stakes, urging all parties to ensure a fair, participatory, and orderly election. Security and administrative authorities are coordinating to maintain law and order, enabling voters to exercise their rights freely and safely.
Political experts note that the smooth execution of the February polls is essential to consolidate the democratic gains achieved after the July 2024 uprising, which ended 16 years of authoritarian rule. Any delay or confusion could weaken public trust, but BNP’s visible preparations contribute to credibility and stability in the process.
At the same time, Bangladesh remains at a critical political crossroads. Disagreements over the pre-election referendum on constitutional reforms continue to cast a shadow over the democratic transition. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul recently warned that divisions among pro-Charter parties have reached a “boiling point” and indicated that the Chief Adviser may soon take decisive steps to resolve the deadlock.
The National Consensus Commission had proposed seeking public approval for reforms outlined in the July National Charter. BNP, however, has categorically rejected a pre-election referendum, insisting any public approval process should coincide with the parliamentary election, citing Article 152 of the Constitution, which vests law-making powers in the president.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described a pre-election referendum as undemocratic and impractical, warning that implementing reforms before an elected government assumes office could undermine accountability and render last year’s Charter discussions meaningless.
Fakhrul also expressed concern over emerging threats to national stability, saying: “Today's political context is one of uncertainty and despair, and everyone is constantly wondering, what will happen? What could happen?”
The interim government has given political parties one week to resolve disagreements over the Charter’s implementation and the referendum schedule. Analysts, however, question how much can realistically be achieved in seven days after eight months of unresolved dialogues under the Consensus Commission. The final decision is expected to rest with the government led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
The disagreements broadly concern two issues: the process of implementing the Charter and the timing of the referendum. The resolution of these matters, alongside BNP’s well-prepared candidate list, will determine whether Bangladesh can move forward toward a credible election or face renewed political turbulence.
With BNP signalling readiness, the Election Commission emphasising its constitutional mandate, and the interim government reaffirming the February election, Bangladesh faces a defining moment. The coming weeks will test whether political actors can act within the constitutional framework, ensure a credible election, and maintain the democratic path set in motion by the July 2024 uprising.
The nation stands at a crossroads: will it embrace democratic continuity through the polls, or will disagreements and delays once again place its fragile democratic transition in jeopardy?
Comments
In a bold and decisive step toward the national parliamentary elections in February 2026, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday unveiled a list of 237 potential candidates, signalling its readiness for the February polls.
The announcement positions the party as a key player in the electoral process at a moment when Bangladesh’s democracy stands at a critical crossroads, highlighting BNP’s commitment to the constitutional process and a peaceful, timely election.
It is clear that BNP is fully prepared for the February elections. However, the pressing question remains: Can the polls be held on time as political tensions and disagreements over the referendum continue to raise red flags?
The warning from Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin underscores the stakes. BNP’s candidate list was unveiled just hours after he cautioned that Bangladesh stands at a “very critical moment,” stressing that the nation’s democratic future depends on holding a credible and inclusive election.
“Which direction we will move as a nation and how we will walk the path of democracy — these depend on the next election,” he said, highlighting the urgent responsibility of political actors to uphold the Constitution and maintain public trust in the electoral process.
BNP’s lineup is both strategic and striking, leaving 63 parliamentary seats open to accommodate allies. This signals a deliberate effort to build a broad coalition while maintaining party unity.
The list blends seasoned leaders with emerging figures, reflecting the party’s commitment to continuity, innovation, and forward-looking leadership. Among those contesting are Tarique Rahman (Bogura-6), Khaleda Zia (Dinajpur-3, Bogura-7, Feni-1), and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (Thakurgaon-1).
However, the list also surprised many within the party. Several senior standing committee members, including Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Rafiqul Islam Mia, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Selima Rahman, were left out, while newer leaders and loyalists were included—a move analysts interpret as a strategic balance of experience and fresh energy.
Experts say the reshuffle aims to strengthen internal cohesion, enhance public confidence, and demonstrate BNP’s preparedness for the upcoming election.
The announcement immediately sparked reactions in some areas, with supporters of top leaders staging protests, blocking roads, and clashing with rival factions, reflecting the high political stakes. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has indicated it will nominate young BNP leaders, while Jamaat-e-Islami and allied parties plan to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to mediate discussions over the referendum process.
Despite these tensions, BNP’s focus on presenting a complete and credible candidate list reinforces its respect for the constitutional mandate. By preparing well in advance, the party is signalling its intent to participate fully in the democratic process, uphold parliamentary governance, and safeguard the integrity of national elections.
The interim government has reiterated that the February election will proceed as scheduled under the authority of the Election Commission. CEC Nasir Uddin emphasised the constitutional stakes, urging all parties to ensure a fair, participatory, and orderly election. Security and administrative authorities are coordinating to maintain law and order, enabling voters to exercise their rights freely and safely.
Political experts note that the smooth execution of the February polls is essential to consolidate the democratic gains achieved after the July 2024 uprising, which ended 16 years of authoritarian rule. Any delay or confusion could weaken public trust, but BNP’s visible preparations contribute to credibility and stability in the process.
At the same time, Bangladesh remains at a critical political crossroads. Disagreements over the pre-election referendum on constitutional reforms continue to cast a shadow over the democratic transition. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul recently warned that divisions among pro-Charter parties have reached a “boiling point” and indicated that the Chief Adviser may soon take decisive steps to resolve the deadlock.
The National Consensus Commission had proposed seeking public approval for reforms outlined in the July National Charter. BNP, however, has categorically rejected a pre-election referendum, insisting any public approval process should coincide with the parliamentary election, citing Article 152 of the Constitution, which vests law-making powers in the president.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described a pre-election referendum as undemocratic and impractical, warning that implementing reforms before an elected government assumes office could undermine accountability and render last year’s Charter discussions meaningless.
Fakhrul also expressed concern over emerging threats to national stability, saying: “Today's political context is one of uncertainty and despair, and everyone is constantly wondering, what will happen? What could happen?”
The interim government has given political parties one week to resolve disagreements over the Charter’s implementation and the referendum schedule. Analysts, however, question how much can realistically be achieved in seven days after eight months of unresolved dialogues under the Consensus Commission. The final decision is expected to rest with the government led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
The disagreements broadly concern two issues: the process of implementing the Charter and the timing of the referendum. The resolution of these matters, alongside BNP’s well-prepared candidate list, will determine whether Bangladesh can move forward toward a credible election or face renewed political turbulence.
With BNP signalling readiness, the Election Commission emphasising its constitutional mandate, and the interim government reaffirming the February election, Bangladesh faces a defining moment. The coming weeks will test whether political actors can act within the constitutional framework, ensure a credible election, and maintain the democratic path set in motion by the July 2024 uprising.
The nation stands at a crossroads: will it embrace democratic continuity through the polls, or will disagreements and delays once again place its fragile democratic transition in jeopardy?
Comments
