The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing significant challenges in the upcoming city corporation elections as its local leaders and activists are opting to run as independent candidates.
The decisions of the local leaders stem from a lack of opportunity for party nominations due to the BNP's decision not to participate in any election under the Awami League government.
What do local leaders say?
It has been reported that several local BNP leaders and activists have submitted nomination papers as independent candidates for the mayoral and councillor posts in the upcoming Gazipur City Corporation election.
Among them are Md Hannan Mia Hannu, Faisal Ahmed Sarkar, Hasan Azmal Bhuiyan, Md Abul Hasem, Md Safiuddin and Md Tanvir Ahmed.
According to these candidates, despite concerns about the fairness of elections under the current government, they believe the city corporation elections will be fair.
They also said that the party did not give them any instructions for the city elections, although they were instructed not to participate in elections under the party banner.
The local BNP leaders feel that since the BNP has made a policy decision not to participate in the polls with the party symbol, they can take part independently.
At the same time, they are keen to participate in the election due to the fear that the electoral continuity of the party will be disrupted if no one contests the polls following the public's demand.
Md Hannan Mia Hannu, the current councillor of a ward of Gazipur City Corporation, said the government and election commission both claimed the elections would be fair; therefore, they are hopeful.
“We did not receive any instructions from the high command regarding the city elections. Nobody warned us that we could not take part in the polls; therefore, we are in favour of the election,” he added.
BNP's Hasan Azmal Bhuiyan, a four-time councillor, has submitted nomination papers for the Gazipur City Corporation polls.
Bhuiyan stated: "I have submitted nomination papers because I have been elected four times and the people of my area want me to participate in the polls. If I do not take part, those who have control over the wards will not be in safe hands. I want to maintain a relationship with the people and give importance to their opinions by running for office.”
When asked about the party's official stance, Bhuiyan said that he has not received any formal instructions from the party and that a decision will be made during a meeting.
Like Gazipur City Corporation, BNP leaders and activists are also gearing up to participate in the four other city corporation polls.
Confirming the matter, Rajshahi City Corporation Ward 16 Councillor Belal Ahmed said a total of seven BNP leaders in Rajshahi are running for the councillor position.
“Many of them have already started campaigning,” he added.
BNP high command concerned
Senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said that the party is facing various complications regarding the upcoming city corporation polls.
Party leaders are concerned that the ongoing anti-government movement may be affected as local leaders opt to run independently.
According to multiple responsible sources within the BNP, there is concern within the party that the momentum of the movement may slow down before the 12th National Parliament election because of the city corporation polls.
The party leaders are also concerned that if local leaders run for the mayoral position, they could face expulsion from the party.
However, the party's high command may be lenient towards councillors who do not hold any major positions within the party.
Party sources revealed that there has been no clear directive from the party on whether local leaders can run for mayor or councillor posts in the city polls.
There is also uncertainty about what will happen to those who have been denied a mayoral candidacy and their place within the party.
The party's high command has not provided any guidance on what to do as an alternative if the party does not participate in the election.
However, BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the party's decision is very clear and that no one from the party ranks can participate in the city polls.
“If someone runs for election from the party, be that as an independent candidate, action will be taken,” he claimed.
“What is the point of participating in the elections under those we are trying to oust through the movement? There will be no compromise on this issue,” he added.
When will the city corporation elections be held?
The Election Commission has announced the detailed schedules for the elections in five city corporations.
The Gazipur City Corporation election is set for May 25, Khulna and Barisal City Corporation elections will be held on June 12, and the Rajshahi and Sylhet City Corporation elections are scheduled for June 21.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used for voting in all five cities.