BNP dissolves committees in Patuakhali-3, sidelining Gono Odhikar’s Nur

Hasan Mamun, expelled from the BNP, is running as an independent candidate

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dissolved its Golachipa and Dashmina Upazila committees in Patuakhali, the constituencies from which Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur is running for parliament.

The order, signed by senior BNP Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday, was confirmed by Patuakhali district BNP Secretary Mozibur Rahman Toton.

Copies of the directive were sent to the district BNP president, Toton, and divisional leaders.

The decision comes amid reports that party workers in Golachipa and Dashmina are campaigning for expelled BNP member Hasan Mamun, who is running as an independent, instead of supporting the party-backed Nur.

The dissolution notice did not cite any specific reason. Toton said he had received the document but could not comment on the rationale due to the absence of an explanation in the letter.

Patuakhali-3 BNP aspirant and district Jubo Dal Acting Secretary Shiplu Khan, said: “We are working with Nurul Haque Nur as per the party’s decision. The committee dissolution is part of the party’s organisational procedure against those who campaigned for the expelled candidate.

“A new election committee may be formed to ensure support for the party-backed candidate during the campaign.”

For this election, the BNP did not field its own candidate in Patuakhali-3 and officially supports former Dhaka University VP Nur, who is contesting under the party’s “truck” symbol.

A faction of the Golachipa and Dashmina Upazila committees, however, campaigned for Mamun, prompting the central committee to dissolve both local committees.

Leaders of the dissolved committees include Dashmina’s President Abdul Alim Talukdar and Secretary Shah Alum Sanu, and Golachipa’s President Siddiqur Rahman, a freedom fighter, and Secretary Sattar Hawlader, also a freedom fighter.

Golachipa committee President Siddiqur Rahman said, “Since the candidate was expelled, it is natural that supporting workers are also removed. We have no opportunity to work for any other candidate and remain with Mamun.”