Khaleda Zia's nomination papers submitted for Bogura-7
Khaleda Zia first won the Bogura seat in the 1991 national election and went on to retain it in 1996 and 2001.
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's nomination papers were submitted this afternoon (29 December) for the Bogra-7 constituency.
On behalf of Khaleda, her adviser Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu filed the papers to Bogura Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Taufiqur Rahman around 3pm.
BNP leaders, including Shajahanpur Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque Shahin and Gabtoli Upazila BNP General Secretary Enamul Haque Natun, were also present. Khaleda Zia is contesting the upcoming national election from Bogura-7, which covers Gabtoli and Shajahanpur upazilas.
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The seat holds historic significance for the BNP, as Gabtoli is the home upazila of party founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, who established the BNP in 1978.
Khaleda Zia first won the Bogura seat in the 1991 national election and went on to retain it in 1996 and 2001.
In the 2008 election, she secured 232,761 votes. Each time she vacated the seat, by-elections were held, all of which were won by her adviser Helaluzzaman Talukder.
Following the 2008 polls, the late BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed won a by-election from the constituency. BNP boycotted the 2014 general election, resulting in Jatiyo Party's Mohammad Altaf Ali being elected uncontested.
In 2018, Khaleda Zia's candidacy was cancelled due to her conviction in a case, prompting the BNP to field Gabtoli Upazila BNP President Morshed Milton; when his nomination was also rejected, the party backed independent candidate Rezaul Karim Bablu at the last moment.
The seat was won by Awami League's Mustafa Alam in the 2024 election. With the latest submission, Khaleda Zia is once again contesting from the Bogura-7 constituency.
Khaleda, 79, has been in the Evercare Hospital's CCU since 27 November, battling severe infections of the lungs and heart, complicated by chronic kidney and cardiac issues.
Although the BNP has suggested that she be taken abroad for advanced treatment, this has not been possible. Her current physical condition does not allow for air travel, so her treatment continues in the country.
