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Published : 27 Dec 2025, 11:42 PM
Former Awami League leader Abdul Latif Siddique intends to contest in parliamentary elections from Tangail-4 as an independent candidate.
He announced the move on Friday evening at his residence in Kalihati Upazila during a meeting with supporters.
A veteran of the Liberation War, Siddique is a former minister and former Presidium member of the Awami League.
“I had been hesitant for several days, uncertain whether to contest in the elections or not. I have always prioritised the public’s opinion and grassroots voices in my political life,” Siddique said.
“Out of respect for requests from party workers, supporters, and the people of the area, I have decided to participate in the elections. I believe the conditions for a fair election now exist, which is why I am announcing my candidacy.
“I will collect my nomination papers next Sunday and submit them on Monday, after which I will begin public campaigning.”
Siddique’s move immediately puts BNP candidate Lutfor Rahman Matin on the back foot. Local voters say Siddique enjoys strong acceptance in Kalihati Upazila, making him a formidable contender. Social media posts by his supporters have already welcomed the announcement.
The Siddique family, one of Tangail’s most influential political families, hails from Chhatihati village in Nagbari Union of Kalihati. The family has played a prominent role in national politics from before the Liberation War to the present.
Other contenders for Tangail-4 include BNP central member Matin, Jamaat-e-Islami Tangail’s deputy chief Abdur Razzak, and Jatiya Party’s Liaqat Ali.
BNP Central Co-organising Secretary Benazir Ahmed Tito and DAB leader Shah Alam Talukder have also collected nomination papers from the election office.
Residents of Kalihati consider Siddique a heavyweight candidate for the constituency, citing his contributions to the Liberation War, his criticism of the Awami League government when warranted, and his support for students during the anti-discrimination movement -- all factors that place the BNP candidate under pressure.
Siddique has been elected as an MP from Tangail-4 six times: 1970, 1973, 1996, 2009, and 2014. He resigned on Sept 1, 2015. In the 2024 elections, he was elected for the sixth time as an independent, but lost his seat when President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament following the July 2024 student-led movement that toppled the Awami League government.
He also served as textiles minister from 2009 to 2013 and briefly held responsibility for the Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology in January 2014, resigning later that year after controversy over remarks made during a Hajj event.
Tangail-4 comprises 13 unions and two municipalities in Kalihati Upazila. The constituency has 114 polling centres and 374,895 registered voters, including 189,924 men, 184,968 women, and three hijra voters.
