Sylhet-1: Arif campaigns for Muktadir, putting 'division' behind

Putting aside a long-standing internal division, BNP leader Ariful Haq Chowdhury has joined the election campaign for his party's candidate in Sylhet-1, Khondkar Abdul Muktadir.

Ariful Haq, the former mayor of Sylhet City Corporation and a BNP chairperson's adviser, had also sought the party's nomination for the prestigious Sylhet-1 seat. However, the party nominated Khondkar Abdul Muktadir instead and later persuaded Arif to run in the Sylhet-4 constituency.

On Monday, February 3, a significant show of unity was witnessed as Arif, along with his followers and former councillors, campaigned hand-in-hand with Muktadir in the city's Amberkhana area. They distributed leaflets and sought votes for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol.

Local BNP sources noted that while Muktadir comes from a well-established city family, Arif has widespread popularity as a former two-term mayor who defeated Awami League's popular former mayor Badruddin Ahmed Kamran twice. Arif's active participation in Muktadir's campaign is seen as a move to consolidate the party's vote in the city.

Speaking to the media, Ariful Haq said, "I am seeking votes for Khondkar Muktadir as a member of the BNP. We are united in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy." Muktadir thanked Arif for joining his campaign amidst his own busy schedule, stating that it added a new dimension to the BNP's campaign.