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BNP Unveils Provisional Slate as Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman Enter Bangladesh Election

The 237-seat rollout positions the party for a February vote following the Awami League’s dissolution.

Khaleda Zia, 80, has been a dominant figure for decades in Bangladesh's turbulent power struggles

Overview

  • BNP named prospective candidates in 237 of 300 constituencies, describing the announcement as a primary list that may be revised.
  • The party signaled coordination with allies by withholding nominations in some seats and pledging support for candidates from partner groups.
  • Chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest three constituencies, returning to the ballot after release from a 2018 corruption jailing and a period of poor health.
  • Acting chairman Tarique Rahman will run from one seat, has lived in Britain since 2008, and was cleared of the most serious charge tied to a 2004 grenade attack.
  • With the Awami League disbanded under the Muhammad Yunus interim government, BNP is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the expected February election.