Denial of Halim’s nomination sparks BNP protest
National desk :
BNP Leaders and Activists have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the party’s decision not to nominate ASM Abdul Halim for the Jamalpur-2 (Islampur) Constituency.
Supporters of ASM Abdul Halim, who was denied party nomination, staged protests by forming a human chain, blocking roads, and setting fire on the road in Islampur Upazila, Jamalpur on Saturday.
The human chain was organised in the Thana Mor area of Islampur upazila by the Islampur Upazila and Municipal BNP along with its affiliated organizations.
The hour-long human chain was chaired by former Islampur Municipal BNP President Joynal Abedin Sarkar, with former Upazila BNP General Secretary and former Upazila Chairman Nabi Newaz Khan Lohani Bipul addressing the gathering as the chief guest.
Upazila BNP Vice-President Abdur Rouf Danu, Municipal BNP Organizing Secretary Rafiqul Islam Tara, former Upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Shafiqul Islam Selim, Municipal Jubo Dal Convener Enamul Haque David, and several other leaders also spoke at the event.
Speakers said that former Cabinet Secretary, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson and Former President of Islampur Upazila BNP (2009-2015) ASM Abdul Halim has long been working for the welfare of the people of the area, including river management and erosion prevention, improving standard of education, developing roads and ghats, and enhancing healthcare services.
They noted that 14 political harassment cases had been filed against him during democratic movements against dictatorship, and that he has significantly contributed to strengthening the party’s organizational structure.
They emphasized that his leadership, honesty, and popularity would ensure BNP’s victory in the Islampur constituency if he is nominated.
The speakers further stated that the people of Islampur expect BNP’s final nomination for this seat to go to ASM Abdul Halim.
They alleged that the possible nominee, 1/11 reformist Sultan Mahmud Babu, is unable to campaign effectively due to physical limitations and faces accusations of Upazila BNP Committee manipulation and extortion.
They warned that if Abdul Halim is denied the nomination, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate may gain an advantage. Leaders and activists cautioned that a larger movement would be launched if Abdul Halim is not selected as the final nominee.
Former Upazila BNP Office Secretary Ruhul Azam Lulu, former Sports Affairs Secretary Kamrul Huda Pahlwan Stalin, Jobo Dal leaders Monir Khan Lohani and Sakhawat Hossain Sujan, as well as leaders and activists from BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Sramik Dal, Mohila Dal, and thousands of supporters participated in the human chain.
After the human chain, angry leaders, activists, and supporters blocked the road and set fire to it as part of their demonstration. They chanted various slogans demanding the nomination of ASM Abdul Halim.