AL-linked Jasim Uddin appears as BNP nominee for Ctg-14, sparks anger among grassroots leaders

BNP's apparent nomination of Awami League-linked Jasim Uddin Ahmed for the Chattogram-14 constituency has triggered strong reactions from grassroots leaders and activists, with questions raised over his political background and business ties.

News of the nomination spread yesterday evening (28 December), prompting an immediate backlash on social media, as the deadline for submitting nomination papers ends at 5pm today (29 December).

Local BNP leaders and supporters questioned Jasim Uddin's past affiliations and shared photographs showing him with senior Awami League figures, including former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader.

They argued that such associations were inconsistent with BNP's position at a time of sharp political polarisation.

Although BNP has not made a formal announcement, party sources said information sent by the Chattogram returning officer listed Jasim Uddin Ahmed as the candidate for BNP's electoral symbol in Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish–part of Satkania).

When contacted, Jasim Uddin Ahmed said he had received the BNP nomination. He added that he would address the allegations in detail at the Chattogram divisional office while submitting his nomination papers.

However, Chattogram South District BNP Convener Idris Mia yesterday said he had seen reports on social media claiming that Jasim Uddin had received the nomination, but that he had not been officially informed by
the party.

Notably, Jasim Uddin does not hold any formal post in the BNP. Chattogram locals and political sources said Jasim Uddin has long- standing business links with former inspector general of police Benazir
Ahmed. His business interests reportedly extend to both Bangladesh and overseas markets.

He is said to own hotels in Cox's Bazar and Dubai, as well as properties in Chattogram city, including Mahal Market in the Laldighi area and Jasim Hill Park in Khulshi, alongside other commercial and residential
holdings.

Questions have also been raised about the source of his wealth and the pace of his business expansion. Political sources alleged that he maintained business relationships with former IGPs Benazir Ahmed and Shahidul Haque and had close access to influential Awami League leaders during the previous government's tenure.

These claims have added to discontent among local BNP leaders, who say such links undermine the party's credibility at the grassroots.

The reaction has been particularly strong because a large number of BNP leaders had already collected nomination papers for the seat. Since 21 December, at least 12 aspirants have formally sought the party's nomination.

They are Zaker Hossain, Shafikul Islam Rahi, Md Nazim Uddin, Md Nurul Anwar, Ehsanul Moula, Md Ikhtiar Hossain, Md Al Helal, MA Hashem Raju, Mohsin Zillur Karim, Ejaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Sirajul Islam, and Abdus Salam Mamun.

Several of them are active at the local level and hold long-standing organisational roles in Chandanaish and Satkania.

Their supporters said the nomination of what they described as an "outsider-backed" figure had demoralised party workers who remained active during years of political pressure.

A senior Chandanaish upazila BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said handing over the sheaf of paddy, the party's electoral symbol, to someone who had benefited under the Awami League government was shameful.

"This will damage the party's image," the leader said. The situation has also been influenced by earlier speculation over seat- sharing arrangements.

There were rumours that BNP might leave Chattogram-14 to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as part of a broader alliance. However, that possibility dimmed after the LDP joined an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, raising hopes among BNP aspirants that the party would contest the seat directly.

The seat has long been associated with LDP chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, who has been elected multiple times from the constituency.

Although Oli Ahmed did not collect nomination papers this time, his son Omar Faruq did so on behalf of the party. Several other parties have also named candidates for the seat.

Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Md Shahadat Hossain, while Jatiya Party's nominee is Md Badsha Mia, and the National Citizen Party has nominated Muhammad Hasan Ali. Islami Andolan Bangladesh has nominated Md Abdul Hamid, Bangladesh Islami Front has nominated Maulana Md Sulaiman, and Insaniyat Biplob Bangladesh has nominated HM Iliyas. With BNP yet to make a public confirmation, uncertainty remains over the final nominee.

However, the early backlash suggests that Chattogram-14 may emerge as one of the party's most internally contested and politically sensitive constituencies in the upcoming election.

Jasim Uddin Ahmed contested the upazila parishad elections in 2024 and was elected chairman of Chandanaish upazila.