Despite the BNP central committee's firm declaration of not participating in the five city corporation elections, including the Barisal City Corporation (BCC) polls, several former and current BNP leaders and activists are contesting for the councillor posts even after the withdrawal date.
Although 21 BNP candidates withdrew from the race, eight BNP leaders are among the 116 valid candidates vying for 30 wards under the BCC.
In addition, three female BNP activists are also competing for three ward councillor posts reserved for women among the 42 candidates vying for the ten available posts.
The 8 BNP leaders contesting the councillor posts are Habibur Rahman (Tipu), Selim Howladar, Harun Or Rasid, Ziaul Haque, Jaber Abdullah Sadi, Shah Aminul Islam, Feroze Ahmed, and Md Humayun Kabir.
Besides, Jahanara Begum, Majida Borhan and Rashida Parveen continue to contest for the reserved female councillor posts.
This unexpected participation contradicts the party's decision not to participate in any election under the Awami League.
Earlier, BNP leaders and activists decided to run for councillor posts in the Gazipur City Corporation polls which prompted the party to expel 29 of its members for ignoring the party's decision.
The Barisal City Corporation election is set to take place on June 12.
