Sylhet, Jan. 21 -- The political landscape in Sylhet Division has taken a clearer, yet more complex, shape as the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the parliamentary elections passed on Tuesday.

While a total of 26 candidates withdrew from 19 constituencies across the division, five rebel candidates from BNP chose to remain in the contest, complicating their party's electoral calculations.

According to Election Commission sources, the five BNP rebels are contesting as independent candidates despite the party's official nominations in their respective constituencies.

Their decision to stay in the race is being seen locally as a significant challenge for BNP and its alliance partners, particularly in tightly contested seats.

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