Rajshahi unit BNP has sent a letter to the party's central committee to take organizational measures against 16 members for contesting in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) polls.
“Letters have been sent to take organizational action against 16 members of the party. Besides, many other supporters also contested for the councillor posts. But they were not named in the letter as they do not have a specific post within the party. However, local organizational measures are being taken against them,” said local BNP member Mostafa Mamun.
BNP has boycotted Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) polls. Party leaders and workers are prohibited from campaigning for anyone as well.
However, several BNP leaders have participated in the upcoming polls.
Anwarul Amin Azab, former vice president of BNP and councilor candidate of Rajshahi city, said: "There is no opportunity to vote for the post of councillor. We are participating in the elections at the request of the people of the area. There is nothing to be done if the party takes action now.”
Samsun Nahar, a candidate for the reserved women's seat and leader of the Mahanagar Mahila Dal, said: "We are not participating in the election being a part of the party. I was elected last time too. I am taking part in the polls my own responsibility. If a party decision comes, it will be discussed later.”
Ershad Ali Isha, convenor of BNP of Rajshahi metropolitan unit, said: "Despite our repeated warnings, many members of the party participated in the councilor posts. Letters have been prepared to take action against them. No one will be spared.”
On Saturday, the BNP issued show-cause notices against 41 leaders and activists, including the district unit Chhatra Dal president and general secretary, for participating in the upcoming Sylhet City Corporation (CCC) elections, disobeying the party decision.
The recipients have been asked to explain why organizational action will not be taken against them within the next 24 hours.
On Thursday, the BNP issued show-cause notices to 19 candidates of the Barisal City Corporation election for the same reason in separate letters.
Those facing the notice include former central Chhatra Dal leader Kamrul Hasan, who is vying for the mayoral post as an independent candidate, and three Barisal city unit joint conveners and members of the BNP contesting for general councilor posts.
On the other hand, in the upcoming Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) election, slated for June 21, there are 12 BNP leaders for general councillor positions and three for reserved women councillor positions. Five of them are general councillors and two are reserved women councillors.
Earlier, in defiance of the party decision, 29 BNP leaders contested the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) election, with a dozen of them emerging victorious in the voting that saw a 48.75% turnout. All of them were expelled for life before the election, which took place on May 25.
