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Published : 03 Dec 2025, 02:20 AM
A simmering “rebellion” inside the BNP has burst into the open across multiple constituencies in Tangail, where a volatile mix of nomination disputes, street protests, and the re-emergence of the influential Siddique brothers has reshaped the race ahead of the parliamentary election.
What began as quiet discontent among nomination-seekers has hardened into confrontations, expulsions, and a threat of parallel candidacies, injecting new uncertainty into a district long marked by its competitive political landscape.
Across Tangail’s eight parliamentary seats, several BNP nomination aspirants have rejected the party’s choices, staging demonstrations and openly signalling that they are ready to run as independents unless the leadership reverses its decisions.
At the same time, the workers and supporters of two heavyweight brothers -- Krishak Sramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddique and his elder sibling, former Awami League Presidium member and ex-minister Abdul Latif Siddique -- have suddenly returned as a political force in two constituencies.
Their organised presence has already reshaped calculations, suggesting that BNP’s official candidates, as well as contenders from other parties, may face a far tougher contest than expected.
Signs of internal division are most visible in Tangail-1, Tangail-3, Tangail-4 and Tangail-8, where the BNP ranks are split over nominations.
In Tangail-4 (Kalihati), the BNP has nominated Lutfor Rahman Matin. But strong indications suggest that Latif Siddique -- a popular figure and freedom fighter -- may run as an independent. If he does, the race in Kalihati is expected to become one of the fiercest in the district.
In Tangail-8, Kader Siddique, a decorated war hero and two-time former MP, is expected to contest under the banner of the Krishak Sramik Janata League. His entry means BNP’s candidate will face pressure from two fronts: discontented party insiders and a formidable and experienced rival with a deep grassroots network.
Although the BNP has not yet announced a candidate for Tangail-5 (Sadar), the party’s central and district leadership remains active on the ground.
Tangail district BNP General Secretary Farhad Iqbal said: “The BNP has already named candidates for seven out of the eight seats across the district’s 12 Upazilas, after weighing many factors. The nomination for Tangail-5 (Sadar) will also be announced after considering grassroots opinion and other elements.”
Alongside the BNP, the Jamaat-e-Islami has fielded candidates in all eight constituencies. Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Khelafat Majlis have also named contenders in every seat. Gono Adhikar Parishad has announced candidates in three seats, while Ganosamhati Andolon will contest in two.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by the frontline leaders of the July Uprising, is preparing to field candidates in all eight constituencies. In contrast, the Jatiya Party has shown no visible activity anywhere in Tangail.
TANGAIL-1: CONFLICT OVER NOMINATION, SUSPENSION
Dissension inside the BNP has escalated sharply in Tangail-1 (Madhupur–Dhanbari) after the party nominated Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon. BNP Executive Committee Member and Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Ali, along with retired lieutenant colonel Asadul Islam, widely known as Azad, have been staging protests and rallies demanding a change in the nomination.
Azad has announced that he will run as a “rebel candidate” if the BNP refuses to replace Swapon. Following this declaration, the party temporarily expelled him.
Residents say tension erupted on Nov 19 when a procession of Ali’s supporters held a march towards the local bus stand in protest against Swapon. As the rally reached the spot, a crude bomb was hurled at the procession, triggering panic.
What followed was a chaotic episode of back-and-forth chases and clashes. Several shops were vandalised, and at least 24 people were injured.
Historically, the BNP has struggled in Tangail-1. Since the 1979 general election, the party has not won the seat except in the Feb 15, 1996 election.
This time, the party has picked central executive committee member Swapon, who previously ran unsuccessfully in 2001 and 2008. But with deep divisions inside the BNP, his third attempt may prove no less challenging.
Ali said, “The people are with me. I will keep seeking the party’s nomination until the end. If the BNP does not nominate me, I will contest as an independent.”
Swapon countered, “When nominations were considered, there were six aspirants. Tarique Rahman chose me. The party’s decision must be respected.
“You cannot spend all year praising the sheaf of paddy and then look for excuses when you don’t get the nomination. The people want unity -- no matter who carries the sheaf of paddy.”
TANGAIL-2: NO CONFLICT WITHIN
The constituency comprising Gopalpur and Bhuapur remains the only pocket of stability for the BNP. Vice-Chairman Abdus Salam Pintu has received the party’s nomination, and no one else sought it.
Pintu, elected MP in 1991, 1996 and 2001, later became a deputy minister in the BNP–Jamaat alliance. Arrested in January 2008 over the Aug 21 grenade attack case, he was subsequently sentenced to death.
During his absence, his younger brother Sultan Salahuddin, known as Tuku and now the party’s publicity secretary, contested the elections in 2008 and 2018 on the BNP ticket.
This time, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies across the two Upazilas remain firmly united behind Pintu -- making Tangail-2 the only constituency without internal conflict.
The Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated its District Secretary Md Humayun Kabir for this seat, while Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Central Office Secretary Shakil Uzzaman is also active on the ground.
TANGAIL-3: PROTESTS DEMANDING NOMINATION CHANGE
In Tangail-3 (Ghatail), the BNP has nominated National Executive Committee member SM Obaidul Haque Nasir. But the decision has not been taken lightly by former minister Lutfor Rahman Khan Azad -- an influential figure who has been elected from this seat multiple times -- and his supporters.
Discontent began immediately after the primary nominee list was published, deepening longstanding fault lines inside the BNP’s Ghatail unit.
Azad, now an advisor to the BNP chairperson, was elected MP from Ghatail in 1991, 1996 and 2001, and served twice as a state minister. He was also the party’s candidate in 2008 and 2018.
This time, being denied the nomination has left him “deeply frustrated”. Azad and fellow nomination-seeker Mainul Islam have joined forces, organising protests, rallies, and human chains demanding a reversal of the party’s decision.
Mainul said, “Nasir is not from this constituency. Local BNP leaders and activists will not accept him. They expect the party to change the nomination.”
Nasir rejected the allegation: “BNP leaders and activists across Ghatail are united in my campaign. Only a few individuals who failed to secure the nomination are spreading confusion with a handful of followers.”
TANGAIL-4: LATIF SIDDIQUE’S FIRM PRESENCE
Matin came through as the BNP candidate in Kalihati, but Benazir Ahmed Tito, the party’s assistant organising secretary for the Dhaka Division, was also seeking the nomination. A section of the local BNP is backing him, and he has been holding regular meetings and gatherings at the union level.
Matin said, “Kalihati is an important constituency. At the national level, it has been a contentious seat. We are working with the aim of ensuring a victory here.”
He added, “The central leadership has reassured me. They want me to contest the election.”
In this seat, the popularity of former minister Latif Siddique remains visibly strong. His close associates say he will again contest as an independent candidate. He has been elected MP from this constituency five times as an Awami League candidate and once as an independent in 2024. Although he holds no party post, his influence over Awami League-leaning activists and supporters in the area remains “solid”.
Md Shafi Khan, former joint secretary of Kalihati Upazila BNP and mayor of Elenga Municipality, said: “By nominating Matin, the party has shown wisdom.
“Had the party failed to act wisely in giving the nomination, Kalihati Upazila BNP could have split into four groups, creating disorder among activists.”
He added, “With Matin receiving the party nomination, senior and junior activists across the Upazila have already taken to the campaign field. They are conducting outreach on their own initiative.
“But Tito, with a handful of loyal followers, is trying to create confusion among BNP activists.”
Yet, several BNP leaders argue that Matin’s nomination does not reflect the “aspirations” of Kalihati BNP. They hope the party will reconsider and nominate Tito instead.
Matin, however, maintained: “We are working on the assumption that Latif Siddique will enter the race in Kalihati.”
Attempts to reach Tito by phone went unanswered.
TANGAIL-5: NO CANDIDATES YET BUT LEADERS ACTIVE
In Tangail-5, which covers Tangail Sadar, the BNP has not yet announced a candidate. Although half a dozen party leaders are in contention, the most active are Central Publicity Secretary Tuku and District General Secretary Farhad.
Both have been holding daily meetings, gatherings, and public outreach with activists and supporters.
TANGAIL-6: DISCONTENT OVER CANDIDATE SELECTION
In Tangail-6 (Nagarpur-Delduar), the BNP has nominated former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal International Affairs Secretary Robiul Awal Lablu. But within the constituency, a segment of the party is expressing quiet “discontent” and “resentment”.
Many local leaders have not yet been seen participating in his campaign.
Although more than a dozen leaders had sought the party’s nomination, none of them has reacted publicly since the announcement.
TANGAIL-7: PROTESTS OVER NOMINATION DEMAND
In Tangail-7, covering Mirzapur Upazila, the BNP has nominated its Central Committee’s Child Affairs Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui.
But on Nov 21, supporters of another aspirant -- the party’s Assistant Cultural Affairs Secretary Saeed Sohrab -- held a rally demanding a change of nomination.
TANGAIL-8: KADER SIDDIQUE DOMINATES THE FIELD
In Tangail-8, which covers Basail and Sakhipur Upazilas, the BNP has nominated Central Vice-Chairman Ahmed Aazam Khan. But two other aspirants -- former Sakhipur Upazila BNP President Sheikh Habibur Rahman and businessman Salauddin Russell -- have joined forces. They are holding meetings and rallies to press for a change.
Russell claims, “Ordinary people want me to contest. Their wish is my wish.”
Regardless of who the BNP ultimately nominates, the candidate will have to face Kader Siddique.
As commander of the Kaderia Bahini that resisted Pakistani forces across Tangail and parts of the northern region during the Liberation War, Kader Siddique was elected MP from this seat in 1996 on an Awami League ticket and again in 2001 on his own party’s ticket.
Thus, the BNP candidate will face pressure from “rebels” within the party and from a heavyweight opponent widely known as “Bagha Siddique”.
Sanowar Hossain, general secretary of the Krishak Sramik Janata League’s Sakhipur unit, said they are already campaigning for Kader Siddique.
