Putting an end to weeks of political speculation, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalised its list of candidates for nine parliamentary constituencies in Cumilla district ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The announcement was made on Monday (November 3) by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, confirming nominees approved by the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
According to party sources, the BNP leadership wanted to complete the candidate selection process before the Election Commission officially declares the national polls schedule. Tarique Rahman has taken a tough stance on nomination criteria, warning that those who allegedly collaborated with ruling party ministers, neglected grassroots activists, or used political influence for personal gain will not be nominated.
“The next election will not include candidates who traded their political integrity for personal benefit,” Tarique Rahman was quoted as saying, referring to his previously declared 31-point reform agenda aimed at restructuring the party and promoting loyal grassroots leaders.
The finalisation of candidates has sparked intense competition and disputes within the party in several constituencies. In Cumilla-6 (Adarsha Sadar–Sadar South), tensions ran high between Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin, a long-time BNP organiser and adviser to party chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Alhaj Monirul Haque Chowdhury, another of Khaleda’s advisers and a former Member of Parliament.
Yasin, known for his steadfast leadership during the Awami League regime, had long been seen as a favourite among local activists. However, following Monday’s announcement naming Monirul Haque Chowdhury as the official candidate, Yasin’s supporters erupted in protest. They blocked roads, set tyres on fire, and staged demonstrations at Kandirpar and nearby areas, demanding that the nomination be reversed in favour of their preferred leader.
Protesters said they would continue road blockades and demonstrations across Adarsha Sadar until the decision is reconsidered. On the other hand, supporters of Monirul Haque Chowdhury celebrated the nomination by holding processions and distributing sweets across Cumilla city on Monday night.
The BNP’s confirmed candidates for the Cumilla constituencies are as follows.
In Cumilla-1 (Daudkandi–Meghna), the party has nominated Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a former minister and senior BNP leader. Professor Selim Bhuiyan, the Divisional Secretary of the BNP for Cumilla, will contest from Cumilla-2 (Homna–Titas), while former MP Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad has been selected for Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar). The nomination for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) has gone to Engineer Manjur Ahsan Munshi, another seasoned BNP figure.
In Cumilla-5 (Burichang–Brahmanpara), Haji Jasim Uddin, a close confidant of acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has been chosen, while former MP Alhaj Monirul Haque Chowdhury will contest the Cumilla-6 (Adarsha Sadar–Sadar South) seat. Jakaria Taher Sumon, President of Cumilla South District BNP, will represent the party in Cumilla-8 (Barura), and Chaiti Kalam, a trusted ally of Tarique Rahman, has secured the nomination for Cumilla-9 (Laksam–Monoharganj).
Meanwhile, former MP Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan has been nominated for Cumilla-10 (Langolkot–Lalmai), and Kamrul Huda, President of the Upazila BNP, will contest the Cumilla-14 constituency, which covers a single upazila-based seat.
Party insiders also confirmed that Cumilla-7 (Chandina) will not have a direct BNP nominee this election cycle. Instead, Dr Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), will contest under the BNP-led alliance banner.
Mirza Fakhrul acknowledged that the nomination process had revealed internal rifts within Cumilla BNP. “We are aware that there are differences in some constituencies, but the party leadership is working to ensure unity ahead of the national polls,” he said.
The BNP Secretary General also hinted that some nominations across the country may still be revised based on feedback from local units and further scrutiny by the central committee.
Party sources said the leadership is prioritising candidates with strong organisational roots, clean images, and proven commitment to the party during years of political persecution.
Cumilla, a traditional BNP stronghold, has long been a politically significant district, often reflecting broader national political trends. However, the party has faced challenges in maintaining cohesion, with several local factions competing for influence over the past decade.
By announcing its candidates early, BNP aims to gain momentum, strengthen local campaigns, and project organisational readiness ahead of what is expected to be a high-stakes general election.
Despite growing enthusiasm among candidates and supporters, political observers note that intra-party unity will be crucial for BNP’s success in Cumilla, especially as the ruling Awami League prepares its own campaign machinery in the same constituencies.
