At least 20 local leaders of now-suspended Awami League were seen campaigning for BNP candidate in Madaripur-1 (Shibchar) constituency, chanting slogans like “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu”.
The incident has sparked an wide range of debate and criticism in local political circles.
The event took place on Tuesday evening (February 3) at a courtyard meeting at Khan Bari under Shibchar municipality, where BNP nominee Nadira Akter addressed voters.
The Awami League leaders claimed they were supporting BNP candidate under the directive of former Chief Whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton.
Several prominent local Awami League figures attended, including former Shibchar upazila president and ex-mayor Awlad Hossain Khan, Kathalbarhi union president and ex-upazila vice-chairman BM Atahar Bapari, Shibchar upazila Jubo League president Ilyas Pasha and multiple union chairmen.
At the meeting, former councilor Akhtar Hossain Khan delivered a speech in support of BNP candidate and concluded by shouting “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”
During the meeting, Nadira Akter emphasized unity among voters, promising a modern and development-focused Shibchar while ensuring no undue harassment of local leaders post-election.
The political manoeuvre comes after BNP initially nominated Kamal Jaman Molla but later replaced him with Nadira Akter amid internal party disagreements.
Meanwhile, the two rebel candidates of BNP have reportedly gained support from Awami League leaders, further complicating the local electoral landscape.
SH
