BNP uneasy over MPs' influence in picking single candidates for local elections

The BNP wants to pick single candidates for the upcoming local government elections on the basis of competence, public engagement and local acceptability. On party chief Tarique Rahman's instructions, information gathering and screening of prospective candidates has begun.

But influence by local members of parliament in that process has caused unease inside the party. There are allegations that, while surveys and discussions are under way, some MPs are trying in places to push forward people of their own choosing.

Party sources say information on prospective candidates is being collected through several surveys. Under the organisational structure, recommendations will go first from upazila committees to district committees, and after screening from there to divisional teams.

If irregularities appear at any stage, they will be reviewed and addressed, and a final decision will be taken, if needed, in discussion with central leaders. A four-member special committee has also been formed on Tarique Rahman's instructions to coordinate election management and candidate selection.

Several responsible party leaders say some MPs are trying to exert influence in the surveys in favour of their preferred people. A few MPs have also been accused of introducing favoured individuals as prospective candidates while attending recent Durga Puja events.

One section of leaders says an environment for selection free of MPs' influence is essential in choosing a single candidate. Otherwise personal preference could prevail over public support, competent candidates could be dropped, and more than one candidate could end up contesting outside the party decision.

Policy-level leaders, on the other hand, do not favour ignoring MPs' views altogether. They say local MPs can provide important information about the area's political situation and voter mood; alongside that, a candidate's past work, image, organisational skill and public engagement need to be considered.

BNP joint secretary general Syed Emran Saleh Prince said selection work is proceeding by checking competence and popularity, and the BNP will field single candidates. On the influence allegations, he said opinions are being taken in every union, where six to eight prospective candidates are emerging, and discussion has brought that number down to two or three.

MP Shahadat Hossain Selim said the party chairman has given directions on candidate selection for the local elections and they are working accordingly; many will want to be candidates, but not everyone will get the nomination.

BNP organising secretary (Barishal division) Bilkis Jahan Shirin said that although picking single candidates locally is difficult, the effort will continue and party activists must accept party decisions. Media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan also spoke of the party chief's instructions and the party's effort to select acceptable single candidates.