BNP Independent Candidate Alleges Intimidation in Manikganj

Manikganj, Bangladesh – Allegations of intimidation have emerged against BNP leader Ataur Rahman, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the Manikganj-3 constituency. Rahman submitted a formal written complaint to the district Returning Officer on Sunday evening.

Ataur Rahman serves as a member of the BNP District Executive Committee. According to both the written complaint and local sources, the nomination verification process took place on Sunday afternoon in the conference hall of the Manikganj Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Following the verification, the district Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana declared Ataur Rahman’s nomination invalid. At the same time, the BNP-nominated candidate, Afroza Khanam, was officially confirmed as a valid candidate.

Immediately after the announcement of Afroza Khanam’s valid nomination for Manikganj-3—which includes Manikganj Municipality, seven unions of the Sadar Upazila, and Saturia—Ataur Rahman raised objections. His complaints centred on pending cases against Afroza Khanam and issues relating to gas bills. After the verification session, most candidates, their supporters, and officials, including the Returning Officer, exited the hall.

According to Rahman’s complaint, as he attempted to leave, he was physically pressured and pushed by several BNP officials, including:

Ataur Rahman stated, “In the interest of a free and fair election, it is imperative that action is taken in accordance with election law against BNP candidates, lest there be more serious incidents involving party workers and supporters in the future.”

However, the allegations were firmly denied by Nasir Uddin, the Manikganj Municipal BNP Convener. He explained that following the invalidation of Ataur Rahman’s nomination, the BNP candidate’s nomination was duly validated. He added that Rahman then tried to pressure senior officials from the rural electricity authority and Titas Gas regarding objections to the BNP candidate, and made defamatory comments, prompting senior attendees to ask him to leave the hall.

Sohel Rana, Secretary of Shibalaya Upazila Jubo Dal, echoed this, stating, “No intimidation occurred. Rahman was simply asked to leave due to inappropriate remarks about the BNP candidate.”

Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Nazmun Ara Sultana confirmed receipt of the written complaint, stating that it has been forwarded to the Electoral Monitoring Committee, which will examine the matter and take appropriate action.

The incident has heightened political tensions in Manikganj-3, with observers noting that disputes over independent nominations could influence voter sentiment in the forthcoming election.