AL leaders chant ‘Joybangla’ slogan in BNP’s campaigning
Staff Reporter :
Several leaders and activists of the now-banned Awami League were seen campaigning for a BNP candidate in Madaripur-1 (Shibchar) while chanting slogans such as “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu,” sparking fresh debate in local political circles.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening during a yard meeting at Khan Bari in Shibchar municipality, where BNP candidate Nadira Akhter addressed voters.
According to local sources, at least 20 Awami League leaders and activists-many of whom had remained in hiding since the party’s activities were banned-attended the meeting and spoke in favour of the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.
During the gathering, Awami League leaders openly urged voters to support Nadira Akhter, claiming they were acting on instructions from former Awami League chief whip and ex-lawmaker Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury Liton.
This unexpected political alignment has triggered widespread discussion and controversy across the constituency. Local BNP leaders said Madaripur-1 has long been considered an Awami League stronghold, with sitting and former public representatives closely associated with Liton.
Following what they described as a “green signal” from the former lawmaker, fugitive Awami League leaders have reportedly been joining yard meetings and participating in campaign activities for the BNP candidate.
They believe this development has strengthened Nadira Akhter’s position against her two rebel rivals in the contest. Party sources said she has been holding regular yard meetings with Awami League leaders since 2 February. At Tuesday’s meeting, leaders from both parties were seen sharing the stage.
Several Awami League leaders spoke at the event in support of the BNP candidate. Former Shibchar municipality ward-1 councillor and Awami League leader Akhtar Hossain Khan delivered a brief speech pledging support for Nadira Akhter, concluding with the slogan “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”
In her address, Nadira Akhter assured Awami League leaders that no false cases would be filed and that no unnecessary harassment would occur in Shibchar after the election. “If we remain united, building Shibchar as a modern area will not be difficult. Together, we will develop Shibchar,” she said.
When contacted, Shibchar Upazila BNP Convener Shahadat Hossain Khan told the media that Awami League leaders had joined the campaign of their own accord. “No party is being rehabilitated here,” he added.