Faridpur’s district branch of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has permanently expelled three senior local leaders for publicly supporting an independent candidate in violation of party decisions and discipline. The announcement underscores the party’s determination to maintain organisational cohesion ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
On Sunday, 25 January, the decision was formalised in a notice signed by Faridpur District BNP convener Syed Modarres Ali Isa and secretary AK Kibria Swapon. The expelled leaders are:
| Name | Position | Local Unit | Reason for Expulsion |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM Khoshbur Rahman Khokon | Vice-President | Alfadanga Upazila BNP | Public support for an independent candidate |
| Rezaul Karim Reza | Vice-President | Alfadanga Municipality BNP | Defying party directives |
| Sirajul Islam Soza | Sports Secretary | Alfadanga Municipality BNP | Violating party discipline |
According to the notice, the leaders had openly supported independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolon, instead of backing BNP-endorsed candidate and Bangladesh Krishak Party vice-president Khondakar Nasirul Islam, in the forthcoming 13th national parliamentary election. This action was deemed a clear breach of both party constitution and organisational discipline.
Alfadanga Upazila BNP General Secretary Nurjamal Khosru explained that the expelled leaders had long distanced themselves from party activities, and their public alignment with an opposing candidate during the election campaign forced the district leadership to take stringent action.
Speaking to reporters, BNP district convener Syed Modarres Ali Isa emphasised that party discipline is paramount during elections. “This is not a personal vendetta,” he stated. “It is a warning: anyone holding a party post who openly supports an independent candidate will face consequences.”
Efforts to contact the expelled leaders by phone were unsuccessful, and they did not provide any comment on the matter. Meanwhile, sources within the district BNP indicated that the actions of other affiliated leaders and party workers involved in similar breaches are under review, with further disciplinary measures possible.
BNP district leadership also signalled that maintaining organisational discipline will continue to be a priority, and similar decisive action may be taken against anyone undermining party cohesion in the future. The move reflects the party’s broader strategy to present a united front as the nation approaches a critical electoral period.
