BNP-expelled leader Mamun does not withdraw candidacy in Nur’s constituency

Hasan Mamun, a former central leader expelled from the BNP, has not withdrawn his candidacy as an independent contender in the Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa–Dashmina) constituency. As a result, the contest in the seat has intensified with Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur.

The final list of withdrawn candidacies for Patuakhali’s four parliamentary constituencies was published on Tuesday (20 January) through a notice signed by Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury.

The list shows that while five candidates from various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, withdrew their nominations, Hasan Mamun retained his candidacy in the Patuakhali-3 constituency.

Party sources said that although the BNP has officially extended support to Nurul Haque Nur, Hasan Mamun, a recently expelled member of the BNP’s central executive committee, is contesting the election as an independent candidate.

Local political analysts say the decision could pose a major challenge for Nur, as a significant section of the local BNP is reportedly backing Mamun.

Although central party directives instructed BNP leaders and activists to work in support of Nur, a section of the party at the local level has failed to comply organisationally, leading to internal unrest. As part of this development, the BNP central leadership recently announced the dissolution of the Galachipa and Dashmina upazila BNP units, as well as the Galachipa municipal BNP committee, on the same day.

Independent candidate Hasan Mamun said, “I made a commitment to the people that I would contest the election. It is in keeping with that commitment that I have taken the final decision to remain in the race. I do politics for the people and will always stand by them.”

At present, Nurul Haque Nur, Hasan Mamun and other candidates are carrying out extensive door-to-door campaigning. They are exchanging greetings with voters and taking part in milad mahfils organised to seek eternal peace for the soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. In brief speeches, the candidates are also outlining their electoral pledges.