3 BNP legacy candidates emerge victorious, 1 falls short in Ctg
Dynastic politics remained a defining feature of the polls in Chattogram, as sons of prominent BNP leaders sought to inherit their fathers’ constituencies.
Four sons of former heavyweight leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) contested the election in four constituencies across Chattogram, carrying the party's "sheaf-of-paddy" symbol. Three secured victory, extending their fathers' political legacies, while one fell short in a closely fought race.
In Chattogram-10 (Halishahar-Pahartali-Khulshi), Sayeed Al Noman won with 122,978 votes, defeating Muhammad Shamsuzzaman Helaly of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, who polled 76,919.
Sayeed Al Noman is the son of the late Abdullah Al Noman, a three-time MP and former minister who had also contested from the same seat. Educated abroad and founder of East Delta University, Sayeed highlighted his father's ideals throughout the campaign and, after winning, credited his political foundation to his father's guidance.
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In Chattogram-07 (Rangunia), Hummam Quader Chowdhury, son of late BNP stalwart Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, secured 101,445 votes to defeat Jamaat candidate ATM Rezaul Karim, who received 41,719.
Hummam, now a member of the BNP's central executive committee, maintained his father's long-standing dominance in Rangunia, repeatedly invoking his legacy during the campaign.
Another victory came in Chattogram-05 (Hathazari and parts of Bayazid), where barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin won with 147,054 votes. His nearest rival, Maulana Mohammad Nasir Uddin Munir of Khelafat Majlis, polled 46,589.
Helal is the son of former state minister and ex-Chattogram mayor Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin and currently serves as the BNP's co-organising secretary for the Chattogram division. He is widely regarded as an influential figure in local politics.
However, the legacy didn't hold up everywhere. Miskatul Islam Chowdhury, son of former environment and forest state minister Jafrul Islam Chowdhury, lost the Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali) race by about 10,000 votes. Jamaat nominee Maulana Zahirul Islam won the seat with 93,167 votes, while a BNP rebel candidate split the vote with 55,492 ballots, weakening Mishkatul's prospects.
