The ruling Awami League has nominated expelled BNP leader Shahjahan Omar to contest the 12th national election from the Jhalokati-1 constituency.

“I was approached to participate in the polls as an independent candidate from Jhalokathi-1, but I refused. I mentioned that around 60 percent of voters in the area are BNP supporters while 40 percent are AL followers. If I take part in the election as an independent candidate I believe I would not gain victory,” he said while talking to reporters on Thursday (November 30).

“I cleared my stance saying that if the honorable leader (without mentioning any name) permits me to join the election with Awami League electoral symbol boat, only then I would be willing to consider taking part in the electoral race,” he said.

Earlier, A press release signed by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi regarding dismissal of Shahjahan Omar was issued this evening.

According to press release, “BNP National Executive Committee Vice Chairman Barrister Muhammad Shahjahan Omar broke party discipline by taking a stand against the party. Therefore, according to the constitution of BNP, Muhammad Shahjahan Omar has been dismissed from all positions including primary member of the party.”

Shahjahan Omar was a BNP politician and a former state minister for law. He is a retired major of the Bangladesh Army and was awarded Bir Uttom.

He was a 3-term member of the parliament representing the Jhalokati-1 constituency.

Responding to a query, the 77-year-old politician said there is no room to engage in BNP politics at this moment as the party appears to have become immature.

Following the development, BNP has terminated Shahjahan from the party and its post, blaming him for breaching the party’s discipline.   

BDST: 1924 HRS, NOV 30, 2023
MSK/SMS