Tarique Rahman Announces BNP’s Nomination Timeline for Single Candidates

The BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has said that the final list of single candidates will be confirmed within the next couple of days following a meeting of the party’s Standing Committee.

During a series of virtual meetings on Monday with nomination seekers from five divisions — Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Dhaka, Tarique Rahman urged party leaders to set aside internal rivalries and work unitedly for BNP’s officially nominated candidates. He warned that divisions within the party would only make the coming days more challenging. “If you engage in mudslinging against one another, the opposition will seize the opportunity,”
Tarique Rahman cautioned the aspirants.

Nomination to Be Finalised Soon

Party insiders have said the BNP aims to finalise single candidates in at least 200 constituencies by the end of this month. Tarique Rahman made it clear that only one candidate per constituency would receive the party nomination, though those not chosen would be recognised or rewarded in other ways for their dedication and contribution.

He emphasised discipline and unity, directing leaders not to hold victory processions, distribute sweets, or stage celebrations once nominations are announced — in order to preserve party cohesion ahead of the upcoming national election.

BNP’s Message: Unity Above All

At the meetings, Tarique Rahman repeatedly stressed that all leaders must work for the party’s electoral symbol, the Paddy Sheaf (Dhaner Shish), and remain alert to ongoing “conspiracies” surrounding the political climate. He called for vigilance and caution, urging leaders to avoid mistakes that could weaken the movement. “United efforts alone can help us reach our goal,” he said.

Each divisional meeting was attended by the party’s Standing Committee members, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Begum Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, with Ruhul Kabir Rizvi moderating the sessions.

Details from Divisional Meetings

Sylhet & Khulna Divisions:
Tarique Rahman met with nomination seekers from these divisions from 5 p.m. onwards. A total of 66 candidates from Sylhet attended — including 16 from Sunamganj, 26 from Sylhet, 16 from Habiganj, and 8 from Moulvibazar. Participants said the Acting Chairman urged them to remain united, refrain from internal disputes, and work for the party’s chosen candidates.

GK Gaus, BNP’s Organising Secretary for Sylhet Division, said: “The Acting Chairman instructed us to stay united for the sake of the country and democracy. The final candidate list will be announced soon.”

Parvez Mallik, a nomination seeker from Khulna-4, said: “He warned us about conspiracies and asked everyone to stay alert and united.”

Rajshahi & Barishal Divisions:
Earlier, from 4 p.m., Tarique Rahman met with nearly 100 aspirants from Rajshahi Division and 70 from Barishal Division. He instructed them to engage directly with voters, motivate them to vote for the Paddy Sheaf, and highlight the party’s pledges and policies.

He also recalled the sacrifices of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia over the past 16 years — her imprisonment, suffering, and endurance for democracy — urging leaders to stay loyal and dedicated.

Amirul Islam Khan Alim, BNP’s Assistant Organising Secretary for Rajshahi Division, said: “We were told to remain united for the sake of the nation, independence, and democracy. Whoever gets the nomination, our goal is to ensure victory for the Paddy Sheaf.”

Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah, from Barishal-5, added: “Tarique Rahman has directed us to maintain unity in the interest of the country and the party, and to support whoever receives the nomination.”

Dhaka Division:
The final session of the day was held with candidates from the Dhaka Division.

Earlier on Sunday, Tarique Rahman had held similar meetings with nomination seekers from Rangpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, and Faridpur Divisions as part of the BNP’s candidate selection process.

Tarique Rahman’s message throughout the meetings was clear:
Unity, discipline, and loyalty to the party symbol are paramount. The BNP will announce its single-candidate nominations within days, aiming to present a cohesive electoral front in the face of mounting political challenges.