BNP expels 59 for breaching party discipline

In a decisive move to maintain party discipline, BNP has expelled 59 more local leaders for defying party directives and contesting the upcoming national election as independent candidates, reports UNB.
In a media release issued on Wednesday night, the party said they were expelled for engaging in activities that go against the party's policy, ideology and organisational discipline.
It said all of them have been stripped of primary membership along with all posts at every tier of the party.
Earlier, BNP expelled 13 leaders for running in seats allocated to alliance partners, defying the party's decision.
The expelled leaders are from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions.
Earlier in the day, party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said BNP will take organisational action against its 'rebel' candidates if they do not step aside from the election race.
"The time for withdrawal of candidacy has passed. Now discussions will be held by the Election Steering Committee and by the top leadership of BNP. After that, if anyone remains a candidate, organisational action will definitely be taken against them by the party," he said.
Speaking at a press briefing at BNP's election office in Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party wants all members to work together with full dedication for the candidates under the party's 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. "Those who do not do this will definitely face organisational action from the party," he added.
According to media reports, nearly 76 rebel BNP candidates remain in the field across the country as they did not withdraw their nomination papers on Tuesday, the last date for withdrawal.