Highlights
- BNP did not nominate anyone for the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency.
- Rumeen Farhana expresses surprise and says she will respond later.
- Supporters were seen crying after her name was not announced.
- Rumors suggest the seat may be left for an alliance partner.
- Local BNP leaders warn that they may support her if she contests independently.
BNP Declares Candidates but Leaves Brahmanbaria-2 Seat Vacant
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced its list of candidates for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. However, the party has not nominated anyone for the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency, a seat where Barrister Rumeen Farhana, the party’s Assistant International Affairs Secretary, was widely expected to run.
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Though several candidates sought nomination from the area, most party members believed that Rumeen Farhana would ultimately receive the party’s nomination. The BNP’s decision to leave the seat vacant has deeply disappointed her supporters.
Rumeen Farhana’s Initial Reaction
When asked for her reaction, Rumeen Farhana told journalists that she has long been connected to the people of Brahmanbaria-2. She stated that she has worked for the constituency since 2017 and even led protests against Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan, who ran in the 2023 by-election against the party’s decision.
She added that she faced harassment because of her political activities and that the matter was well known to BNP’s acting chairman, who she believes will make the right decision.
“এখানে আমার নাম ঘোষণা না হওয়ায় শত শত সমর্থক কান্নাকাটি করছেন। আমি বিষয়টি নিয়ে এখনও ভাবিনি। এ ব্যাপারে পরে প্রতিক্রিয়া জানাব।”
Translation: “Hundreds of my supporters are crying because my name was not announced. I haven’t thought about the matter yet. I will respond later.”
Speculation About Alliance Candidate
There are strong rumors that the BNP might leave the Brahmanbaria-2 seat for one of its alliance partners. However, supporters of Rumeen Farhana have warned of protests if any other candidate is nominated.
According to local sources, Rumeen Farhana has been actively campaigning in the constituency for months—attending community events, meeting local people, and conducting door-to-door visits since August 2023.
Read More: Rumeen Farhana Misses Out, BNP Finalizes Candidates in 4 of 6 Brahmanbaria Seats
Local Leaders Support Rumeen
Anisul Islam Thakur, the president of the Sarail Upazila BNP, said that Rumeen enjoys massive popularity in the area.
Another supporter, who requested anonymity, said:
“এখানে রুমিন ফারহানাকে ছাড়া অন্য কাউকে মনোনয়ন দিলে আমরা আন্দোলন করব। প্রয়োজন হলে অন্য চিন্তা করব।”
Translation: “If anyone other than Rumeen Farhana is nominated here, we will protest. If necessary, we will consider other options.”
Historical Connection to the Constituency
Rumeen Farhana’s political roots in Brahmanbaria-2 run deep. Her father, language movement veteran Oli Ahad, contested in the first parliamentary election in 1973 from the then Comilla-2 constituency (now Brahmanbaria-2).
In that election, Awami League’s Taheruddin Thakur was reportedly declared the winner from Dhaka, though allegations remain that the results were disputed.
Political Background of the Seat
The Brahmanbaria-2 seat has long been known as a BNP stronghold. In the 2008 general election, Mufti Fazlul Haque Amini, chairman of the Islami Oikya Jote (a BNP-led alliance partner), lost to Ziaul Haque Mridha of the Awami League–backed Jatiya Party.
Since then, the area has been politically active and competitive, making the BNP’s decision not to nominate a candidate this time particularly surprising.
Source: TBS
