BNP Faces Second Wave of Nomination Protests; Natore-3 Activists Demand Candidate Change Over Alleged 'Boatmate'

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is grappling with renewed internal controversy and protests following the announcement of its second-phase nominations for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections.

Dissatisfied leaders, activists, and ordinary voters, especially those who felt neglected or denied, have initiated fresh movements demanding candidate changes.

A prominent example of this dissatisfaction is seen in the Natore-3 (Singra) constituency, where the nomination of Anwarul Islam Anu—allegedly the uncle-in-law and an associate of former ICT State Minister Advocate Zunaid Ahmed Palak—has ignited widespread anger among local BNP ranks.

Local BNP leaders and activists, notably supporters of District BNP Joint Convener Daudar Mahmud, are agitating to replace Anu with Mahmud, citing the latter's long-term loyalty and sacrifice for the party.

Protesters claim that Anwarul Islam Anu received benefits under the previous Awami League regime and was seen attending local Awami League events alongside Zunaid Ahmed Palak. They highlight an incident on February 28, 2023, where Anu allegedly gifted a 'boat' (a symbolic tribute) to Kumon representatives and Palak's PS at a joint ICT and BRAC Kumon event at Singra Damdama Pilot School and College.

Ordinary 'Paddy Sheaf' voters are expressing reluctance to vote for Anu, with some threatening to either vote for another party (like Jamaat) or boycott the polling station entirely if the candidate is not changed to Daudar Mahmud. They stated that this decision is against their conscience and will not be swayed even by central party leaders or Khaleda Zia or Tarique Rahman.

BNP Convener Faizun Nesa Putul and other local leaders stressed that Daudar Mahmud is a tested leader who faced numerous cases and imprisonment for the party over 16 years, while Anu, despite being a BNP leader, never stood by the party during movements or dangers, remaining shielded under Palak's influence.

News highlighting Anu's alleged ties to the Awami League caused the initial nomination for Natore-3 to be suspended in the first phase, offering temporary relief. However, his subsequent nomination in the second phase intensified the local party's anger and dissatisfaction.

Local BNP leaders warn that failure to replace Anu with Daudar Mahmud immediately may lead to the victory of the Jamaat candidate in the Natore-3 constituency. They have appealed directly to Tareq Zia and the central leadership to intervene.