Dhaka, Jan. 28 -- Though the party allocated only 17 seats to its allies in the simultaneous movement, 11 of them are now facing BNP rebel candidates, complicating the prospects for alliance contenders in the February 12 parliamentary election.

Despite tough measures such as expulsions, persuasion and compromise attempts, BNP failed to prevent many of its rebel leaders from contesting the 13th parliamentary election, since they are running as independents in nearly a quarter of constituencies, including those earmarked for alliance partners.

The situation has unsettled BNP's alliance candidates, leading them to doubt the party high command's commitment and the rebels' sense of 'political courtesy.

Of the 17 seats for its movement partn...