Tasnim Jara, first senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a native of Khilgaon, has announced her resignation from the party and will contest the upcoming parliamentary election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9.
In a post on her official Facebook account, she addressed the residents of Khilgaon, Shobujbagh, and Mugda, she said: “I am your daughter. I was born and raised in Khilgaon. My dream was to go to parliament from the platform of a political party and serve the people of my area and the country. However, due to practical circumstances, I have decided not to participate in the election as a candidate of any specific party or alliance.”
She added that she had promised the people to fight for them and to build a new political culture, and she is determined to keep that promise. “Therefore, in this election, I will participate as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9,” she said.
Jara also highlighted the challenges of contesting as an independent candidate. “A party candidate has the party’s local office, a well-organized cadre, and opportunities to discuss security or other concerns with the government and administration. But since I am not with any party, I will not have any of these. My only reliance is you,” she said.
She appealed to voters for support, saying, “If you, as your daughter, give affection and support based on my honesty, dedication, and indomitable will to practice new politics, only then will I have the opportunity to serve you.”
She highlighted two points: First, independent candidates must collect signatures from 4,693 voters in Dhaka-9 on a specific form—a task she described as "almost impossible" to complete in just one day without spontaneous community support. She invited volunteers to join a Facebook group where locations would be shared.
Second, regarding her earlier fundraising campaign, Jara offered to refund donations to anyone who wishes, out of respect for her changed decision to run as an independent. She provided a form for those who donated via bKash and promised to soon announce the refund process for bank transfers.
Tasnim Jara concluded the statement by reaffirming her commitment to serve the people of her constituency.