Dhaka, Jan. 21 -- The BNP has warned of disciplinary action against "rebel" candidates who stay in the contest for the parliamentary election in spite of the party's decisions.

On Wednesday, Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the party's Central Election Steering Committee, said at a media briefing at the BNP office in Gulshan that the party expects full unity behind its officially nominated candidates.

Nearly 2,000 candidates remain in the electoral race nationwide after the nomination withdrawal period ended.

Despite previous warnings, internal consultations, and negotiations, at least 90 candidates have filed nominations in 79 constituencies in defiance of the party's directives.

Mahdi noted that internal competition is natural in a major...