BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to Contest in Three Constituencies; Tarique Rahman to Contest from Bogura-6

Party sources say that although there had been concerns about Khaleda Zia’s participation due to prolonged illness, the party has convinced her to lead in the elections given the current political situation. Leaders and activists expressed joy over her candidacy announcement.

Senior Standing Committee members Zamir Uddin Sarkar, Selima Rahman, and Nazrul Islam Khan are not contesting this time. However, Zamir Uddin Sarkar’s son, Mohammad Nawshad Zamir, has been nominated from Panchagarh-1.

According to the BNP candidate list, 12 members of the Standing Committee are contesting. Among other prominent party leaders, businessman and Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu will contest from Feni-3. Female candidates include Khaleda Zia, Sanjida Islam (Dhaka-14), Tahsina Rushdi (Sylhet-2), Shama Obayed Islam (Faridpur-2), Nayab Yusuf Ahmed (Faridpur-3), Afroza Khan Rita (Manikganj-3), Sansila Jebrin (Sherpur-1), Israt Sultana Ellen Bhutto (Jhalokathi-2), Sabira Sultana (Jessore-2), and Farzana Sharmin (Natore-1).

However, leaders and supporters who did not receive nominations have expressed anger. After the announcement of the candidate for Madaripur-1, supporters of Sajjad Hossain Lawlu Siddiqui blocked the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway and set tires on fire in protest. Similarly, in Chittagong-4 (Sitakunda), supporters of former Joint Secretary Aslam Chowdhury staged protests on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway after he did not receive a nomination.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the announced list is preliminary, and the Standing Committee may make changes to nominations if necessary. Party sources note that announcing the candidates plays an important role in election preparation and raising voter enthusiasm, setting the stage for active participation in the elections.