Bhola-1 seat: Partha faces huge challenges

Reza Mahmud :

Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha is one of the influential leaders of the BNP-led alliance in the movement-driven political struggle, now facing huge challenges in the upcoming 13th general election.

Partha is the chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), the son of former Dhaka mayor Najiur Rahman, and a nephew-in-law of Sheikh Hasina.

Sources said, Barrister Partha was initially supposed to give BNP-led alliances candidacy from the Dhaka-17 constituency. However, at the last moment, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman himself submitted nomination papers for Dhaka-17. In the changed circumstances, Partha was allocated the Bhola-1 constituency. His election symbol is the bullock cart.

However, BNP had already given the nomination in that constituency to Golam Nabi Alamgir, president of the Bhola district BNP. As Partha was later made the alliance candidate, he naturally faced opposition there.
Local sources said, though Golam Nabi Alamgir decided to withdrew himself from the election race as per his Party Chairman Tarique Rahman’s direction, part of his close leaders and activists become angry against Partha on this purpose.

He has encountered resistance several times before as well. A section of the party, led by the district BNP secretary, has been particularly vocal against him.

Despite this, Andalib Rahman Partha remains hopeful that an understanding will be reached before the nomination withdrawal deadline. He said that opposition exists in every party.

“Opposition in politics is a normal phenomenon. I have submitted my nomination from my party for the Bhola-1 constituency. Uncle Alamgir has also submitted his nomination from BNP. Since BNP had earlier given him the nomination, he submitted his papers. Everything will be resolved in due course,” Partha asserted confidently.
Meanwhile, Jamaat nominated candidate Principal Nazrul Islam become a vital contender of Partha.

Besides, Jamaat-led alliance’s Islami Andolon leader Maulana Obaidur Rahman also submitted nomination form to the election commission. But sources said, he might withdrew his candidacy as the alliance leaders was sat on seat sharing issue last night.

Sources said, if Jamaat-led 11 party alliances could set single candidacy in the constituency, Partha will face hardship to win.