Masum:
As the upcoming national elections draw closer, political tension has escalated in Faridpur-4 (Sadar Upazila-Bhanga-Charbhadrasan) due to fierce competition among BNP’s nomination seekers. The recent announcement by Shahidul Islam Babul, General Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, has sparked fresh debates within the party’s local political landscape.
Key Nomination Contenders :
Several BNP leaders are vying for the party’s nomination, including:
Zahurul Haque Shahzada Mia, Advisor to the BNP Chairperson
Shahariar Islam Shaila, Central Vice President of JASAS
Md. Mahbubur Rahman Dulal, Joint Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum
Md. Alamgir Kabir, International Affairs Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal
BNP veteran Zahurul Haque Shahzada Mia, who ran in the 2001 election with the Dhaner Shish (Sheaf of Paddy) symbol, expressed confidence in securing the nomination again.
“I was nominated in 2001, and I hope the party will value my experience this time as well,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Shahariar Islam Shaila, speaking over the phone from London, said,
“I was nominated in Faridpur-4 in 2018. I have remained active in the field during the party’s challenging times and expect fair consideration this time too.”
Conflicting Opinions on the Nomination:
The nomination race has also divided opinions among local BNP leaders.
Golam Rabbani, former BNP president of Sadar Upazila, claimed,
“Tarique Rahman has already finalized Shahidul Islam Babul for the Faridpur-4 seat. We will work to ensure his victory.”
However, Md. Shahjahan Shikdar, President of Charbhadrasan BNP, took a neutral stance, saying,
“We have not officially taken a position in favor of any candidate yet. We will support whoever the party nominates.”
Background: Previous Conflicts and Political Landscape
The nomination battle in Faridpur-4 comes in the wake of past tensions between Shahidul Islam Babul and BNP Central Organizing Secretary Shama Obayed over candidacy in Faridpur-2. Their rivalry intensified in August 2023, leading to a violent clash on August 21, which resulted in one casualty. Following the incident, both leaders were temporarily suspended from their party positions. However, the suspension was lifted on November 10.
The BNP final decision regarding its candidate in Faridpur-4 remains uncertain. However, Shahidul Islam Babul’s candidacy announcement has added a new dimension to the local political landscape. The ultimate choice will depend on the party’s central leadership.
