Barrister Rumeen Farhana, the newly elected independent candidate from the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency comprising Sarail, Ashuganj and parts of Bijoynagar, has said that she would maintain an independent stance in parliament.
Speaking to journalists at her residence in Shahbazpur, Sarail, on Friday afternoon, Rumeen said her position would remain that of an independent lawmaker.
“My position will be the same as that of an independent Member of Parliament. I have never remained silent regarding corruption issue. When I was in the party, I spoke out against extortion, oppression and injustice. Who comes to power or who leaves is not my concern. I represent Sarail-Ashuganj, I represent Brahmanbaria-2. The interests of my constituency and my people are my first priority,” she said.
Rumeen dedicated her victory to the people of her constituency and called on party leaders and activists to share the joy of the win with all residents.
“I dedicate this victory to all the people of my constituency,” she said.
She also alleged that her party leaders and activists faced threats before and after the election.
“They were told, ‘BNP is coming to power; you will be dealt with.’ Even then, I say to you—remain calm. Those who issue threats only threaten; they never win. You have won, so you must remain peaceful. Your responsibility is to unite the people of Sarail and Ashuganj so that together we can build a model upazila,” she said.
When asked how she would respond if the BNP formally invited her to join the party, Rumeen said, “Let them extend the invitation first; then we will see.”
Aa a candidate, she has alleged widespread irregularities in the recent election, claiming that Bangladesh’s “tainted history” of polls dates back to 1973 and warning that a similar situation could have unfolded in 2026.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Bangladesh Army,” she said. “Had the Bangladesh Army not taken firm control of the law and order situation, and had they not acted with extraordinary neutrality, without regard to any party or individual, by taking rapid action, the situation could have been different.”
She accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of attempting significant irregularities in the constituency. According to her, local BNP leaders intimidated voters by going door to door, distributed money at night, stamped ballots at remote polling centres, including Dhamauara and Dubazail — and delayed the release of results at several centres.
She further alleged that on the eve of the vote in Uchalia Para of Sarail, she entered a polling centre and compelled officials to count ballots five times, remaining there until 10:30pm to ensure the process was completed.
She also congratulated those who performed well in the election.
“I congratulate whoever has achieved good results whether a party or an individual. my best wishes for them. I hope that everyone will carry out their responsibilities and duties in accordance with the oath they have taken,” she said.
Addressing the issue of her return to the BNP, Rumeen said, “I am a daughter of Brahmanbaria; I am already at my place. I didn’t go anywhere. If I had gone and contested the election from Sylhet, then you could say that the daughter of the house had gone outside. I am from Brahmanbaria. I am in Brahmanbaria,”.
Responding to questions about her position in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Farhana stated that she had been expelled from the party.
“My party has expelled me. In fact, there is no party of mine, its Tarique Rahman’s party. He has expelled me. So, it is not my party,” she said.
