BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday urged party rebel candidates to withdraw their nominations before the deadline, warning that organisational action will follow if they fail to comply.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a photo exhibition on late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, Nazrul said, “The withdrawal period has not ended yet. We have asked them to respect the party decision and withdraw. We hope they will do so.”

He added that several rebels have already informed the party of their intention to quit and expressed optimism that the situation will improve within the withdrawal timeframe.

Nazrul also paid tribute to Khaleda Zia and highlighted her son Tarique Rahman as her political successor.

“Tarique Rahman will move forward by upholding the ideals of his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother,” he said. “He has already said he will continue from where his mother left off. People expect positive changes through him, and we hope to receive support from everyone, including the media, in this effort.”

On law and order ahead of the election, Nazrul stressed the importance of maintaining peace for a fair vote.

He urged the government to act strategically, warning that “forces exist that do not want elections, democratic transition, or stability and may try to create instability.”

Regarding BNP’s election manifesto, Nazrul said a committee is preparing it and it will be released soon.

Speaking on student politics, he criticized a rival student organisation for working under the ruling party’s cover and said BNP’s student wing, long barred from campuses, will rely on its own efforts and strategy for future political engagement.

The exhibition, organised by Bogura Media and Cultural Society (BMCS), featured journalists and cultural activists from Bogura working in Dhaka.

Nazrul inaugurated the event and appreciated the organisers.