Independent MP Refuses Oath Until Reinstated by BNP

In a dramatic turn of events following the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the newly elected Independent Member of Parliament for the Chandpur-4 (Faridganj) constituency, Mohammad Abdul Hannan, has declared a self-imposed boycott of his swearing-in ceremony. Despite his electoral triumph, Mr Hannan stated on Saturday that he would refuse to take the parliamentary oath until his parent party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), formally welcomes him back into its fold.

A Loyal “Rebel”

Addressing a press conference at the Faridganj Press Club on Saturday afternoon, Mr Hannan sought to clarify his political stance. Although he contested the election as a “rebel” candidate after being denied the official party nomination, he maintained that his allegiance to the BNP remains “unshakeable.”

“I have been a steadfast follower of the ideals of the late President Ziaur Rahman since my student days,” Hannan told reporters. “My commitment to the party’s ideology and politics remains lifelong. I will not take the oath as a Member of Parliament until my beloved party officially accepts me.”

Electoral Context and Victory

Mr Hannan’s victory in the Chandpur-4 seat was one of the most talked-about results of the recent polls. Having previously secured the party nomination on two occasions—only to see it “usurped by a manipulative clique”—he claimed that he was compelled to run as an Independent by local activists and supporters who felt disenfranchised.

The following table outlines the key details of the Faridganj electoral outcome:

Warnings Against Post-Election Violence

Beyond his personal political future, Mr Hannan expressed grave concern regarding reports of unrest in the constituency. He alleged that certain defeated factions are currently engaging in propaganda and inciting violence against his supporters.

Issuing a stern warning to the local administration, the MP-elect stated that any activities threatening the lives or property of the general public would not be tolerated. He urged the law enforcement agencies to maintain strict neutrality and called upon his own supporters to exercise restraint and remain peaceful during this transitional period.

The Dilemma for the BNP

Mr Hannan’s refusal to take the oath puts the BNP leadership in a complex position. While the party traditionally maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards rebel candidates, Hannan’s significant local popularity and his public display of loyalty present a compelling case for reconciliation. Whether the party will choose to formalise his “homecoming” before the scheduled swearing-in of the 13th Parliament remains to be seen.