Manna left ‘ignored’ as BNP fields own candidate in Bogura‑2 despite seat‑sharing deal

Nagorik Oikko chief says the BNP broke understanding, kept its nominee in Bogura‑2

Nagorik Oikko President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has expressed frustration after the BNP kept its own candidate in Bogura‑2, despite a seat‑sharing understanding with allies.

Manna, who is running from the constituency under the alliance, told bdnews24.com on Tuesday evening: “The BNP’s candidate remains in my seat. There is no scope for a solution now. They nominated their candidate and ignored me.”

The district administration confirmed that Mir Shahe Alam is the BNP’s final candidate for Bogura‑2, covering Shibganj Upazila.

Tuesday was the last day for withdrawal of nominations.

Alongside Manna and Shahe Alam, five other candidates remain in the race, including nominees from the Jamaat‑e‑Islami, Jatiya Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad and an independent.

Bogura’s returning officer and district administrator Toufikur Rahman said: “Shahe Alam is the sole BNP candidate in Bogura‑2. No further party endorsement is required.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had earlier announced seat‑sharing with 10 leaders, including Manna, but the arrangement did not materialise in Bogura‑2.

Attempts to reach Fakhrul for comment were unsuccessful, while BNP election chief Nazrul Islam Khan declined to speak.

Manna’s candidacy faced hurdles over loan default issues, which went to the High Court.

He eventually secured eligibility after rescheduling the loan, though his nomination was briefly cancelled on Jan 2 before being restored on appeal.

Speculation had lingered that BNP might withdraw Shahe Alam to support Manna, but no withdrawal occurred by Tuesday’s deadline.

Local BNP leaders confirmed Shahe Alam will receive the party’s Paddy Sheaf symbol on Wednesday.

Shahe Alam said: “The party nominated me. Why the alliance was not given the seat, only the party can say. I will do whatever is needed to ensure victory.”

Meanwhile, Manna is also contesting in Dhaka‑18. Nagorik Oikko announced 11 candidates in total, including Manna, with others fielded in Rangpur‑5, Jamalpur‑4, Sirajganj‑1, Pabna‑4, Chattogram‑9, Chandpur‑2, Kurigram‑2, Rajshahi‑2 and Lakshmipur‑2.