2 BNP leaders seek Kulaura mayoral post
The Kulaura Municipality mayoral race has gained early momentum, with two senior Upazila BNP leaders announcing their candidacies ahead of the election schedule.
The early declarations by the party’s Upazila president and general secretary have sparked discussion within the BNP, with leaders and activists now awaiting the party high command’s decision on who will receive its backing.
The two aspirants are Joynal Abedin Bachchu, President of Kulaura Upazila BNP and a five-time former councillor of Kulaura Municipality, and Badruzzaman Sajal, General Secretary of the Upazila BNP and President of the Kulaura Businessmen’s Welfare Association.
The announcements have triggered mixed reactions among party leaders and activists. While some expressed concern that the rival bids could create divisions within the party, others said they would wait for the BNP high command to decide who would receive the party’s backing.
Joynal Abedin Bachchu announced his candidacy while exchanging views with local journalists on the night of July 28. A day earlier, on July 27, Badruzzaman Sajal announced his intention to contest the mayoral election.
The back-to-back announcements by two top leaders of the same party have sparked widespread discussion across the municipality. However, neither leader was accompanied by party leaders or activists when making the announcement.
No other candidates have officially declared their intention to contest the mayoral election so far, although several heavyweight political figures are reportedly considering entering the race.
Announcing his candidacy, Joynal Abedin Bachchu said the declaration by BNP General Secretary Badruzzaman Sajal could create divisions within the party.
“I have been elected councillor five times since the municipality was established and served as panel mayor on three occasions. The love and support of people from all walks of life have inspired me to contest the upcoming mayoral election,” he said.
He pledged to transform Kulaura into a modern municipality by improving roads, drains and culverts, easing traffic congestion and ensuring planned urban development.
Referring to Sajal’s repeated election ambitions, Bachchu said, “Only Allah knows which election he will eventually contest. Since August 5, 2024, he has announced his intention to run in different elections on several occasions.”
He alleged that Sajal had earlier expressed interest in contesting the parliamentary election through billboards and later announced his intention to contest the Upazila Parishad election before declaring his mayoral bid.
Badruzzaman Sajal, meanwhile, defended his decision, saying he had long been involved in strengthening the BNP and wanted to serve the people in a greater capacity.
“I have worked for the party for many years. As a dedicated party worker, I have announced my candidacy for mayor with the sole aim of serving the people,” he said.
He said he had received overwhelming support from party leaders, activists and well-wishers at home and abroad following his announcement.
“The party will decide whom it ultimately nominates or supports. I had previously sought the party’s nomination for the parliamentary election but did not receive it. Since the municipal election is expected to be held before the Upazila election, I decided to announce my candidacy for mayor,” he said.
Responding to Bachchu’s remarks, Sajal said they reflected the Upazila BNP president’s personal opinion and declined to comment further.
