BNP acts against rebel candidate in Patuakhali-3 seat over Nurul Haque Nur

The BNP has taken drastic disciplinary measures following a defiance of party orders in the Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa-Dashmina) constituency. As part of a seat-sharing agreement for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the BNP-led alliance had vacated the seat for Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad and former VP of DUCSU.

However, Hasan Mamun, a member of the BNP Central Executive Committee and former President of Dhaka University Chhatra Dal, filed his candidacy as an independent (rebel) candidate, defying the party's official stance.

In response to his refusal to withdraw his candidacy despite direct instructions, the BNP senior leadership has moved to dissolve the existing party committees in both Dashmina and Galachipa upazilas. The decision was announced through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today, Saturday (January 17).

Official Directive

The press release stated: "For the information of all concerned, the existing committees of the BNP in Dashmina Upazila and Galachipa Upazila under Patuakhali District have been dissolved."

Context of the Dispute

The Patuakhali-3 constituency has become a focal point of political discussion since the alliance nominated Nurul Haque Nur. Local BNP leaders and activists had been advocating for a party-affiliated candidate, and Hasan Mamun, who has since been expelled from the party, chose to contest as an independent, citing the support of the local populace and grassroots workers.

The dissolution of the local committees is seen as a "stern warning" to other party members who might consider supporting rebel candidates over official alliance nominees. This move underscores the BNP’s commitment to maintaining discipline within its ranks and honoring its strategic agreements with alliance partners.