BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest the next general election from Sylhet 1 constituency, a central leader of the party has confirmed.
Three-time former premier Khaleda will also contest from two other parliamentary seats – in Feni and Bogra, the leader told the Dhaka Tribune Tuesday, requesting anonymity.
The decision was taken in principle at a meeting of the BNP high command at Gulshan on Tuesday afternoon.
Some senior leaders of Sylhet region learnt about the decision immediately after the meeting, sending a wave of joy among local leaders and activists.
The party that wins the seat – covering Sylhet City Corporation and the Sadar upazila – forms the government, a surprising notion that had happened in all the previous elections.
However, local leaders and activists said that the BNP's position in Sylhet division was very poor because of internal grouping. Due to the situation, the BNP could not succeed in the anti-government movements, they said.
The leaders hoped that Khaleda's candidature would strengthen the party’s organisational base and help win most of the 18 other parliamentary seats in Sylhet as well.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith won the seat for the second consecutive term in 2014.
Former finance minister M Saifur Rahman was the last BNP leader to become an MP from the constituency.
After his death in a road accident in 2009, no other BNP leader could create influence in the constituency.
One of the two top BNP leaders from the area – Harris Chowdhury, who was Khaleda's the then political secretary – has remained fugitive for the last 10 years. The other is M Ilias Al, who has been traceless since 2012.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
