BNP backs Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Jasim in Cumilla-4

The BNP has thrown its support behind Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Md A Jasim Uddin in Cumilla-4 (Debidwar), following the disqualification of its nominee for the seat.

AFM Tarique Munshi, member secretary of Cumilla North District BNP, confirmed the development yesterday (5 February) to Prothom Alo, saying the directive had been issued verbally by BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan and later reiterated by the party's central office.

Although no written order had been issued, party leaders and activists had begun campaigning for Jasim based on the verbal instruction, he added.

Earlier, the BNP-nominated candidate for Cumilla-4, Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, had his candidature cancelled on allegations of loan default, leaving the party effectively without a candidate for the seat.

Under an alliance decision, the BNP subsequently instructed its leaders and activists to support Jasim, who is contesting the election with the "truck" symbol.

In this constituency, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance candidate is Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (south) of the National Citizen Party (NCP).

Gono Odhikar Parishad's Jasim expressed optimism following the BNP's backing.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said that despite limited time, he intended to make full use of every moment.

With BNP leaders and activists actively campaigning for him, he was hopeful of victory, Jasim added.

Former BNP lawmaker Munshi, whose candidacy has been cancelled, said all party leaders and activists had been instructed to campaign for Jasim. "In Debidwar, the truck symbol is now the sheaf of paddy."

Asked for comment, Hasnat Abdullah told Prothom Alo that he did not see any rival as weak and considered all contenders in the race to be heavyweight candidates.