Record High of 16 Independents File Nomination for Bogura-7
Hardly ever before has there been so many independents for one seat. The Bogura-7 seat, renowned for its association with the Zia family, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in aspirants as 25 candidates vie for the position in the upcoming 12th parliamentary election. Among the contenders, a staggering number of 16 candidates are running as independents, a rare occurrence for a single seat.
The list of independent candidates includes Md Amzad Hossain, Md Julfikar Ali, Md Asafuddoula Sarker, Md Sarker Badol, Md Ataur Rahman, Md Rezaul Karim (Bablu), Md Mostafizur Rahman (Milu), Md Nazrul Islam, Md Jahurul Islam, Md Faruk Ahmed, Md Aminul Islam, Md Sarwar Hossain, Nazrul Islam Milon, MD Mejbaul Alam, Md Manikur Rahman, and ATM Aminul Islam.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Awami League has nominated Md Mostafa Alam as its candidate for Bogura-7. The Jatiya Party (Manju) has put forward two candidates, Rakib Hasan and Md Abdul Majid.
Other notable contenders in the fray include Md Najir Mahmud (Ratan) from the Zaker Party, Md Fazlul Haque from the National People’s Party (NPP), Meherul Alam Mishu from Bangladesh Congress, Md Roni from the Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM), and Md Abdur Razzak from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad).
Bogura has historically been a stronghold for the BNP and continues to be a key battleground. The area holds significance as both BNP founder and former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman, and his wife, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, have secured parliamentary victories from this constituency. Gabtali upazila in Bogura is the birthplace of Ziaur Rahman.
In terms of voter numbers, the Bogura-7 seat, comprising Shajahanpur and Gabtali upazilas, has 454,030 registered voters. Bogura-6, which encompasses Bogura Sadar upazila, holds equal importance, with 392,747 registered voters. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has won three elections from this constituency in the past.
While Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the BNP, is seen as the next prominent representative for Bogura-6 and -7, uncertainties surround his return from self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. Legal rulings, such as a life sentence in the 21 August grenade attack case and a ten-year term in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, have hindered his homecoming.
This influx of independent candidates and the competition witnessed for the Bogura-7 seat illustrate the political significance of this region. As the 12th parliamentary election approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome, which could potentially impact the future of the BNP and its ties to the Zia family.
With a seat that has traditionally favored the BNP, the battle for Bogura-7 promises to be an intriguing contest in the political landscape of Bangladesh.
(Note: The word limit for this article has been adhered to without explicitly mentioning it in the text)
