Pabna, Nov 23 (V7N) – Nur-Mujahid Swapon, convener of BNP’s Bhangura Upazila unit, issued a stern warning against independent or rebellious candidates outside the BNP ahead of the upcoming elections. He made the remarks on Saturday evening during a rally and brief gathering at Baluchar Playground in Chatmohor, held in support of the BNP-nominated candidate for Pabna-3 constituency.

Swapon stated, “We are none other than the ‘Dhaner Shish’ (rice sheaf) symbol. If anyone thinks of contesting outside the ‘Dhaner Shish,’ they will not be allowed to appoint agents in any polling center.”

The speech, delivered after a public march organized by Pabna-3 BNP nominee Hasan Zafir Tuhin, drew negative reactions among local party activists and residents from Chatmohor, Bhangura, and Faridpur Upazilas. The video of Swapon’s statement quickly went viral on social media.

Hasan Zafir Tuhin, an agricultural scientist and president of the Central Krishak Party from Sujanagar, has been officially nominated by BNP for the Pabna-3 seat. However, some local party members have protested, calling him an “outsider” and demanding that a local candidate be nominated instead. Amid the controversy, former MP K.M. Anwarul Islam and former Upazila Chairman Hasadul Islam Hira have announced their intention to run as independent candidates if Tuhin’s nomination remains unchanged, escalating tensions with counter-programs taking place across the region.

During the Saturday rally, Swapon emphasized party unity, clarifying that his comments were directed at anyone defying the BNP’s official decision. He added, “My intention was to convey that anyone contesting outside BNP’s decision will face consequences. I always strive for unity within the party.”

Masud Khandakar, member secretary of Pabna district BNP, defended Swapon’s remarks, saying, “He is not an inexperienced politician. Journalists are misinterpreting his statement; he intended to convey something else.”

The Pabna-3 constituency remains tense as supporters of different factions continue mobilizing, highlighting growing internal disputes within BNP ahead of the elections.

END/MSR/SMA/