Kishoreganj-5 (Nikli–Bajitpur) Constituency is known as the BNP’s stronghold.
According to the public, if a wrong decision is made in the nomination selection in the Nikli–Bajitpur parliamentary area, which is recognized as BNP’s base, the golden opportunity for victory could be lost. In this area, the general public has great affection and extensive support for the 'Dhanshish' symbol.
In this constituency, there is a nomination battle between the chairman of the National Party’s eight-party alliance candidate Syed Ehsanul Huda and the BNP. This time, among BNP’s nine candidates, one is Jamaat’s district Amir, Principal Ramjan Ali, and one from the National Party, State Reform Movement’s Adv Hasnat Kaiyum MP, is a candidate. In 2018, Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal contested the Kishoreganj-5 Nikli–Bajitpur seat as BNP’s candidate; according to BNP leaders, he supported party workers during the previous Awami League government. He is also a nomination aspirant in this constituency this time. Regarding this, when asked over the phone, he told this correspondent, “I am a BNP party candidate. Supporters of the alliance candidate Syed Ehsanul Huda are engaged in the malicious attempt of spreading on Facebook that Huda has received the green signal for nomination to spoil the political environment of the area. In Nikli–Bajitpur, there has been no presence of any party, no office; for the past 17 years, I and our party workers faced lawsuits and attacks, and had to take shelter elsewhere. Many party workers went to jail; I obtained bail for them repeatedly in court. The police raided my house. While campaigning for Begum Khaleda Zia’s release in Dhaka, I was arrested. Now, if the alliance candidate Huda is given the nomination, I believe BNP leaders will not accept this decision because the central party leaders also know that this seat belongs to BNP. I want a BNP candidate to contest this seat. At the end of the day, I hope the party will consider me.”
Senior and renowned politician from Bajitpur, GS Mir Jalil, is requesting BNP’s nomination. He said, “This seat is primarily recognized as BNP’s stronghold. If the party decides to give the nomination to the alliance candidate, then there is nothing we can do. We must abide by the party’s decision.” When contacted over the phone, nomination aspirant Ehsan Kufi said, “We cannot accept any alliance candidate other than BNP’s. This is BNP’s seat. The National Party has no presence here. In selecting the candidate, if a mistake is made, BNP must face the reality of defeat.”
Ahead of the upcoming 12th national parliamentary elections, the number of BNP’s nomination aspirants has increased in this constituency. Many who were not active against the Awami League government in political movements are now claiming their mark in the nomination battle.
Former MP Amir Uddin’s son, Nikli Upazila BNP President Adv Badrul Momen Mithu, when asked over the phone about a BNP nomination aspirant said, “I would like the party to give nomination to one from within the party; if the party decides to give the nomination to the alliance candidate, I will respect the party’s opinion.”
Former Chhatra Dal leader and nomination aspirant Badrul Alam Shipu said, “In the past 17 years, those who were not seen on the streets, in movements, or even in party meetings, are now contesting the nomination.
During the previous Awami League government, I could not stay in the country due to lawsuits. My business and trade were ruined. I had to live abroad. Even after obtaining bail from court, I could not live in my ancestral home. I dedicated the golden time of my youth to the party. I believe the party will consider me this time. Many of my Chhatra Dal leaders have become MPs, and I also want to contest this time.”
Another former Chhatra Dal leader, Shafiqul Alam Rajon, is contesting for the MP position. Regarding nomination, he said, “This seat was BNP’s and will remain BNP’s. If BNP intends to nominate a non-alliance candidate, we will convince the party high command to ensure a BNP candidate is given this seat.”
Through posters in the area, BNP nomination aspirant High Court lawyer Ed: Jamiul Haque Faisal announced his candidacy, saying, “If the party considers me, I will contest. If the party decides to nominate the alliance candidate, then what can we do?” High Court lawyer Adv A.M. Shawkatul Haque said, “I am a candidate but I will respect the party’s decision.”
Assistant General Secretary of Shakendriya Krishak Dal Haji Masuk Mia has stated his position as a BNP candidate. He said over the phone, “If anyone claims to have received the green signal from the party without approval, it will be considered as opposing the party. I will talk about the alliance candidate if the time comes.”
Bajitpur Upazila BNP Organizing Secretary, former MP Mojibur Rahman Manjur’s son Mustafizur Rahman Mamun, regarding BNP’s candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election, said, I will seek the nomination from BNP. to implement the unfinished development work left by my father.
