VP Shamsur Rahman, the former general secretary of Pabna's Santhia Upazila BNP and an aspirant for the Pabna-1 constituency nomination (Paddy Sheaf symbol), made strong political statements at a prayer program held at Santhia Football Ground on Wednesday (December 10) for the recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia.
Rahman characterized the upcoming election as a "battle between the defeated forces of the Liberation War of 1971 and the victorious forces," asserting that the victorious forces, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, will prevail and lead the country again. He claimed that the BNP is the pro-Liberation War party, founded by Ziaur Rahman, who fought the war and declared independence.
He expressed "100% optimism" that he will secure the nomination, citing that Tarique Rahman will select candidates based on specific criteria: popularity, number of cases faced, time served in jail, and ability to lead the party during difficult times. Rahman claimed he meets one of the four criteria and is the most popular aspirant, capable of delivering a victory by a huge margin.
Rahman launched a sharp critique against Jamaat-e-Islami, stating, "there is no Islam in Jamaat-e-Islami." He questioned their religious legitimacy, citing examples like their alleged efforts to equate Durga Puja and fasting and their practice of nominating Hindu candidates (such as Krishna Nandi in Khulna). He accused the party of having "destroyed BNP in the name of strengthening Khaleda Zia's hand." He dismissed their electoral viability, referencing past election results where a major Jamaat leader allegedly garnered fewer votes than a smaller leader.
The event, organized by the Upazila BNP, was presided over by former senior vice-president Alhaj Kazi Rafiqul Islam, with several other former upazila BNP officials attending as special guests.
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