BNP activists protest with shrouds, demand cancellation of Nizam's nomination in Chattogram-13

Hundreds of BNP leaders and activists staged a protest in Anwara upazila yesterday (13 November) evening, wearing shrouds and carrying torches to demand the cancellation of Sarowar Jamal Nizam's candidacy for the Chattogram-13 (Anwara-Karnaphuli) constituency.

The highly charged demonstration was driven by allegations that Nizam secured the nomination through conspiracy, misinforming the party's high command, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and claiming that he is secretly aligned with the Awami League.

Through deceit and manipulation, he misinformed the high command and Tarique Rahman to secure the nomination

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Asad Asif, a protester

The protest began as a torch procession from the Kalabibir Dighi Intersection in Anwara and ended near the entrance of the Karnaphuli Tunnel. Witnesses said that the agitated demonstrators burnt Nizam's effigy and set fire to banners and festoons bearing his image.

Protester Asad Asif accused Nizam of systematic deceit.

"Through deceit and manipulation, he misinformed the high command and Tarique Rahman to secure the nomination."

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"He has long been a beneficiary and associate of the Awami League, staying away from the party's struggles for the past 16 years while building his business ties," Asif said.

The demonstrators further claimed that Nizam never supported grassroots activists during the party's difficult period stating that while party members were "facing persecution and forced into hiding, he lived comfortably with his family."

They argued that such a person is undeserving of the party's representation.

Supporters at the demanded that Sarowar Jamal Nizam's nomination be immediately revoked and insisted that instead priority should be given to dedicated and long-serving leaders who have stood by the party during its struggles.