Rebel BNP candidates start campaigns at Sheikh Mujib

Gopalganj-3’s ‘rebel’ BNP candidate, Habibur Rahman, has officially launched his campaign for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections, beginning with a visit to the grave of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The announcement came on Thursday, signalling his independent candidacy in the Tunzipara–Kotalipara constituency.

Habibur Rahman, a former president of the Tunzipara Upazila Chhatra Dal and a former member of the district BNP, is running independently after being denied the party’s official nomination. His electoral symbol is a football. Last Wednesday, the BNP’s central committee expelled Rahman along with two other district leaders for allegedly breaching party discipline. The committee relieved them of all positions at every level, including basic membership. The official BNP candidate for Gopalganj-3 is SM Zilani, president of the party’s central volunteer committee.

On Thursday at 11 a.m., Habibur Rahman visited the grave of Allama Shamsul Haq Faridpuri, founder of the Gawhardanga Khademul Islam Madrasa, before proceeding to the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Complex. Although the main gates were closed, he paid his respects outside Gate 3. It was from this location that he began his electoral campaign, prominently displaying his football symbol.

Following this, Rahman conducted public outreach at the Tunzipara Upazila Parishad courtyard and the Patgati bus stand, meeting with local residents and seeking their votes and support.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, he stated:

“The Gopalganj-3 parliamentary seat is one of the most significant in Bangladesh. It is the final resting place of our nation’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as well as the eminent scholar Allama Shamsul Haq Faridpuri. Out of deep respect for them, I have begun my campaign here.”

Rahman also reflected on his political journey, noting that he was once active in student politics and had been a member of the district BNP. He explained that he formally resigned from the party via the post, submitting his resignation to the BNP General Secretary. Since 5 August, he has been independent of party politics, intending instead to focus on local issues and advocate for ordinary people against injustice and corruption.

Key Details: Gopalganj-3 Electoral Candidates

Habibur Rahman’s campaign marks a rare instance of a rebel candidate initiating electoral activities from a site of such national significance, highlighting both the symbolic and political weight of Gopalganj-3 in Bangladesh’s political landscape.