Torch procession demands change of BNP candidacy in Pabna-3

A faction of BNP held a torch procession and a brief rally in Pabna's Chatmohar upazila last night demanding a change of the party's candidate for the Pabna-3 constituency (Chatmohar-Bhangura-Faridpur) for the upcoming national election.

The procession started from Chatmohar bus stand and ended at Baluchar field area after traversing through the main roads of the municipality town.

Addressing the rally, Hasadul Islam Hera, former member secretary of Chatmohar upazila BNP and former upazila chairman, termed the candidate who secured primary nomination as an "outsider".

"I am requesting the central leaders — I have said it before, and I am saying it repeatedly — look at the field surveys. Consider the position of the grassroots leaders and workers. Withdraw the 'outsider' candidate from here and nominate a son of Pabna who is from this locality," said Hera.

"Otherwise, a tougher movement will be announced in the future," he added.

KM Anwarul Islam, former Pabna-3 MP and former president of Chatmohar upazila BNP, said, "Earlier, the party had said that the nomination would go to someone who is popular in the area, maintains good relations with the people, and has strong public involvement and acceptance. But the individual nominated for the Pabna-3 constituency is neither popular in the area nor connected with the public."

"That is why we are repeatedly drawing the attention of BNP's central leaders. We appeal to our leader, Tarique Rahman, that for the sake of peace, a son of our soil should be given the nomination."

General Secretary of Chatmohar municipality unit BNP, Towhidul Islam Kajol, among others, also spoke.