Khaleda Zia to Contest Three Seats; Tarique Rahman Set for Electoral Debut

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest from three constituencies—Bogura-7, Dinajpur-3, and Feni-1—in the upcoming national election, as per the party’s preliminary candidate list announced Monday. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will make his first-ever electoral run from Bogura-6 (Sadar), his ancestral stronghold.

Bogura, the birthplace of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, has been a party bastion since 1979. Khaleda first won Bogura-7 in 1991 and shifted to Bogura-6 in 1996, securing victories in both. Dinajpur is her birthplace, while Feni is her ancestral home.

Tarique, who has shaped BNP strategy for nearly two decades from London exile, is expected to return after 17 years with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima. His nomination marks a generational shift.

Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, contesting Thakurgaon-1, read the list at Gulshan. He said, "Tarique Rahman oversaw a rigorous process—five surveys per seat—to ensure winnability and unity."

The list reserves 63 seats for allies, up from 22 in 2018. Protests against nominees broke out in several areas, but BNP leaders dismissed them as isolated.

The announcement signals BNP’s intent to reclaim power through a mix of legacy and renewal, with Khaleda’s multi-seat strategy and Tarique’s debut energizing the base.