Khulna: The Khulna city unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reunited ahead of the upcoming election, ending more than four years of internal dispute. Leaders and activists of the city BNP formally decided to work collectively in support of Nazrul Islam Manju, the party’s candidate for the Khulna-2 constituency.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision was taken at an official meeting mediated by Rakibul Islam Bakul, BNP Central Organising Secretary (Students’ Affairs) and party nominee for the Khulna-3 constituency. Although the current city committee had not been actively campaigning for Manju until now, the new consensus became evident when city BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona and General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin joined a meeting held in Manju’s support.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman nominated Manju as the party candidate for Khulna-2 (Sadar-Sonadanga) constituency, recognising him as a senior leader. A special election meeting was held with leaders of Sadar and Sonadanga thana BNP units and their associate bodies. Both current and former leaders attended the meeting, chaired by city BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona. The participants agreed to set aside differences and work unitedly for Manju’s victory.
Former Chhatra Dal leader Asaduzzaman Murad told BSS that the meeting marked the formal reunification of the city BNP in support of Manju. He added that Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona had already joined a campaign meeting for Manju. The meeting also discussed the formation of an election management committee and the appointment of polling agents.
Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona confirmed the development, stating, “We are united to work for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. We will all work together for Manju.”
Meanwhile, a doa and prayer programme was held in Khulna seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Organised by the BNP, the programme was attended by city BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, along with current and former party leaders and activists.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Nazrul Islam Manju said, “Deshratna Begum Khaleda Zia played an uncompromising role in safeguarding democracy, independence, and sovereignty of the country. Her political life stands as a shining example of sacrifice and struggle. The nation will remember her contributions forever.”
Special guests at the programme included city BNP President Shafiqul Alam Mona and General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin. Shafiqul Alam Mona remarked on the role of Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, stating, “Under the leadership of Deshratna Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP repeatedly played a vital role in restoring democracy in the country. Today, we have gathered to pray for the eternal peace of her soul.”