Bagerhat Left Out as BNP Holds Back on Three Seats

Bagerhat district stands as the only region in Bangladesh where the BNP has announced no candidates across its three parliamentary constituencies—Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2, and Bagerhat-3—in the party’s preliminary list of 237 nominees for the 13th national election released on Monday.

While the BNP named candidates for 237 out of 300 seats, leaving 63 open for allies and internal adjustments, Bagerhat’s complete exclusion has sparked curiosity and concern among local party leaders and supporters. The southwestern district, known for its strong Awami League influence, has historically been a challenging terrain for the BNP.

A senior BNP leader from Khulna division, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters, “Bagerhat was deliberately kept blank in the first phase. The party high command is in talks with potential local heavyweights and allies. Final names may come only after alliance agreements are sealed.”

The decision reflects strategic caution. In the 2018 election, BNP fielded candidates in all three Bagerhat seats under the Oikya Front banner but failed to win any. This time, sources say, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman wants to avoid internal rebellion and ensure winnable faces.

Local BNP activists have mixed reactions. “We were expecting at least one name today,” said a former union-level leader in Bagerhat Sadar. “Now we fear the seats may go to smaller allies or be left uncontested.”

Meanwhile, the BNP has already nominated strong contenders in neighboring districts like Khulna and Satkhira. The party’s Standing Committee is expected to review Bagerhat in the next phase of finalization, likely after consultations with the “simultaneous movement” partners.

As alliance talks intensify, Bagerhat remains a wildcard—its fate tied to broader coalition dynamics