'We are not outside the rice field. If anyone considers making a choice outside the rice field, no one will be able to provide an agent to any center,' cautioned Nur-Mujahid Swapan, the convener of Bhangura Upazila BNP.
He delivered this warning during a rally at Baluchar Playground following a mass procession supporting BNP candidates in Chatmohar, Pabna on Saturday evening, November 22.
Following Swapan's remarks, there has been a backlash among BNP leaders and activists in the Chatmohar Upazila and Pabna-3 region (Chatmohar-Bhangura-Faridpur) from the general public. His statement's video has gone viral on social media.
In a related note, BNP has put forward Central Krishak Dal President and agriculturist Hasan Zare Tuhin, who hails from Sujanagar, as their candidate for the Pabna-3 constituency. Some BNP leaders and activists, referring to him as an 'outsider,' have been protesting for a local candidate to be nominated after being denied nomination themselves. Former MP KM Anwarul Islam and former upazila chairman Hasadul Islam Hira have declared their intention to run as independent candidates if Tuhin's nomination is revoked and a local candidate is not selected. This situation is escalating, and counter-programs are being organized.
In response, agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin led a mass procession with leaders and activists from Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas on Saturday. Following the procession, a brief rally took place at Chatmohar Baluchar playground, where BNP's nominated candidate agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin and other leaders addressed the attendees. During a speech at the event, Bhangura Upazila BNP convener Nur Mujahid Swapan cautioned independent or rebel candidates outside the rice field, stating, 'The message remains unchanged. We are not outside the rice field. If anyone ventures outside the rice field, I assure you on behalf of the people of Bhangura, if anyone considers voting outside the rice field, we declare that no one will be able to appoint agents at any center. There will be no individuals outside the rice field.'
In this context, Bhangura Upazila BNP convener Nur-Mujahid Swapan remarked, 'I wish to clarify that if anyone votes contrary to the BNP's decision, the purpose behind the statement has been conveyed. I will consistently strive to ensure that all BNP members remain united.'
Pabna District BNP member secretary Masud Khandaker commented, 'He (Nur-Mujahid Swapan) is not a crude politician. You (journalists) are misinterpreting his statements. He intended something different. '
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