Dhaka, Nov. 21 -- Almost three weeks after the BNP unveiled its list of potential contenders for 236 constituencies, a quiet unease is spreading among the party's allies.

What began as hopeful indications for a unified electoral strategy has now turned into growing frustration, as the long-expected seat-sharing negotiations show little sign of progress ahead of the national election.

Leaders of alliance and like-minded parties said the uncertainty has left them confused, anxious, and unable to begin formal campaigning in their constituencies. They also feared that in many shared seats, BNP leaders might contest as independents, violating party decisions and risking the allies' chances of winning.

The alliance leaders said BNP should no...