Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) have raised serious questions about the neutrality of the administration during the scrutiny of nominations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Last Friday, after his candidacy was declared valid at the Cumilla District Returning Officer’s office, Hasnat Abdullah alleged, “The current administration has largely tilted toward the BNP.” His comment came at a time when new political polarization has begun over BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s return to the country and the mass cancellation of Jamaat leaders’ nominations.
Hasnat Abdullah expressed anger that despite allegations of loan default against BNP candidate Manjurul Ahsan Munshi in the Cumilla-4 constituency, his nomination was declared valid. Speaking to journalists, he said, “Given the administration’s double standards, we are expressing concern about a neutral election.” According to this leader of the July–August mass uprising, instead of maintaining the impartial conduct expected under an interim government, the administration is showing leniency toward a particular party.
Tarique Rahman’s return and shift in power
Political analysts find Hasnat Abdullah’s remarks consistent with the ground reality. On December 25, after 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh created tremendous enthusiasm within the BNP. Courts have acquitted him of all major charges filed during the Awami League era, including the August 21 grenade attack case. Analysts view the resolution of passport complications and his rapid inclusion in the voter list as signs of the government’s “special goodwill.”
Many believe the government of Dr. Muhammad Yunus may be paving the way for a transfer of power to Tarique Rahman, a signal that has also filtered down to the grassroots level of the administration.
Jamaat nomination cancellations and cracks in alliances
The biggest impact of this alleged “BNP favoritism” is being seen in the case of Jamaat-e-Islami nominations. Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Jamaat leaders’ nominations are being strategically cancelled to place the BNP in a favorable position.
• Cox’s Bazar-2: The nomination of Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has been cancelled.
• Cumilla-3: A Jamaat candidate’s nomination was cancelled on the pretext of incomplete information in the affidavit.
• Gaibandha-1: Allegations claim that by cancelling the nominations of Jamaat and Jatiya Party candidates, the path has been cleared for the BNP.
Although Jamaat and the NCP were active on the streets during the July–August movement, their strategic distance from the BNP in the electoral arena is now evident. Deep uncertainty has emerged over how much power parties like Jamaat or the NCP would share if Tarique Rahman consolidates power single-handedly.
Those whose nominations have been cancelled may appeal to the Election Commission between January 5 and 9. However, being preoccupied with legal battles during this crucial campaign period is leaving candidates mentally and strategically disadvantaged. Overall, ordinary voters believe that the trajectory of the 13th national election now largely favors Tarique Rahman and the BNP.
