The electoral picture in Sylhet Division has become clearer yet more complicated following the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the upcoming parliamentary elections on Tuesday.
According to Election Commission sources, 26 candidates withdrew their nominations from 19 constituencies across the division. However, five rebel candidates from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have chosen to remain in the race as independent contenders, posing challenges for the party’s electoral strategy in several key seats.
The BNP rebels include Mamunur Rashid, also known as CUCSU Mamun, in Sylhet-5; Sheikh Sujat Mia in Habiganj-1; Mohsin Mia Madhu in Moulvibazar-4; Barrister Anwar Hossain in Sunamganj-3; and Dewan Zainul Zakirin in Sunamganj-4. All are former or recently expelled BNP leaders with considerable local influence.
In Sylhet-5, Mamunur Rashid is the only rebel candidate. His decision to contest independently led to his recent expulsion from BNP, where he had served as vice-president of the Sylhet district unit. The constituency has drawn particular attention as BNP has not fielded an official candidate there, leaving the seat to an alliance partner. Jamaat-e-Islami president Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq is contesting from the constituency.
In Moulvibazar-4, covering Srimangal and Komolganj, former Srimangal municipality mayor Mohsin Mia Madhu is running as an independent candidate against BNP nominee Haji Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury. Political observers say the contest could split BNP-leaning votes in the tea garden-dominated constituency.
Sunamganj has emerged as a focal point of rebel activity. In Sunamganj-3, BNP central committee member Koyesh Ahmed faces Barrister Anwar Hossain, a former district BNP vice-president. A similar contest is unfolding in Sunamganj-4, where BNP nominee Advocate Nurul Islam Nurul is being challenged by Dewan Zainul Zakirin, also a former district BNP vice-president.
Not all potential rebels remained in the race. In Sunamganj-5, covering Chhatak and Dowarabazar, BNP central executive committee member Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Mizan withdrew his nomination on the final day, reducing the risk of internal vote splitting there.
In Habiganj-1, BNP’s official candidate Dr Reza Kibria faces Sheikh Sujat Mia, a former district BNP president, joint convenor and former MP, who continues to contest as an independent.
Political analysts say the presence of rebel candidates could significantly affect electoral outcomes by dividing traditional BNP vote banks. As campaigning intensifies, how BNP manages internal dissent in Sylhet Division is expected to play a crucial role in its overall performance.