No resentment towards BNP over nomination denial: Rumeen Farhana

Barrister Rumeen Farhana, recently expelled from the BNP, said today (2 January) she harbours no resentment towards the party for not nominating her for the upcoming general election.

Speaking to journalists after her nomination paper was declared valid as an independent candidate for Brahmanbaria-2, Rumeen said, "If the party thinks my services are no longer needed, that is fine."

Besides her, all 11 candidates who had submitted nomination papers for the constituency were also cleared during the verification process.

On 30 December, the BNP said it had expelled Rumeen Farhana and several other leaders for "violating party discipline and carrying out organisational activities in defiance of party decisions."

The move came after she collected nomination papers on 24 December to contest the polls as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria‑2.

The former BNP leader said today, "When the party was going through difficult times, Begum Khaleda Zia was at the helm. The responsibilities she entrusted to me were often much bigger than my age and political experience, and I tried my utmost to carry them out sincerely."

Referring to her role in parliament, she said, "You have seen my role since I joined parliament in 2019 after the 2018 election. When the party asked me to resign in December 2022, I did not hesitate for a moment and resigned immediately."

She added that if the party now believes new leadership is needed, she welcomes it. It is fine if the party thinks her services are no longer needed, she said, adding, "I will continue my politics."

Rumeen also alleged that in some areas her supporters are being threatened with cases. "I have told them that if anything like this happens, I will inform the administration. If any action affects my election or threatens the safety of leaders and activists, I will take immediate steps," she said.