BNP Expels 59 More Rebels for Defying Election Line

In a fresh move to enforce party discipline ahead of the national election, the BNP has expelled 59 more local leaders for defying party directives and contesting as independent candidates.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the party said the expulsions were carried out for activities that run counter to its policy, ideology and organisational discipline. All those expelled have been stripped of primary membership as well as all positions at every level of the party.

The latest action follows the earlier expulsion of 13 leaders who entered the race in constituencies allotted to alliance partners, in violation of party decisions.

The expelled leaders come from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions.

Earlier in the day, Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin warned that the party would take organisational action against any remaining ‘rebel’ candidates.

“The deadline for withdrawal has passed. Discussions will now be held by the Election Steering Committee and the party’s top leadership. If anyone still remains in the race, organisational action will definitely be taken,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s election office in Gulshan, Mahdi said all members must work wholeheartedly for candidates contesting under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “Those who fail to do so will certainly face organisational action,” he added.

According to reports, around 76 BNP rebel candidates are still in the race across the country, having failed to withdraw their nomination papers by Tuesday, the final date for withdrawal.

The list of expelled leaders includes candidates from multiple constituencies across all ten divisions, reflecting the party’s nationwide crackdown on defiance of its election strategy.