A video clip featuring Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency, Shahidul Alam Bahadur, has gone viral on social media, igniting controversy with his bold claim that his victory in the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election is already “sealed.” The remark was made just as the Election Commission was preparing to announce the official polls schedule.
The 19-second video, which circulated on Facebook on Tuesday (December 9), shows Shahidul Alam Bahadur responding to a question from a person identified as Absar.
Asked, “Who do you think will be the MP in Cox’s Bazar now?” the candidate replied in the local Chittagong dialect:
“Iyan to sil mara oigeyiu, aii MP oiyum hono shondeho nai Insha’Allah.”
(This has been sealed, I will be an MP, there is no doubt, Insha’Allah.)
Divided Reactions on Social Media
The viral comment has drawn sharply polarized reactions. While supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami have responded positively, rival party activists and general users have posted critical comments, questioning the transparency of the electoral process.
Mostofa Kamal, a commenter on the original Facebook post by the user ‘Robin Khan’, questioned the need for campaigning if the outcome is pre-determined, writing: “If it has been sealed, then what is the need for so much campaigning? Sheikh Hasina also used to say this. Is Jamaat now hoping for a ‘Hasina-style’ election?”
Rofiqul Islam Miyaji, Joint Office Secretary of the Cox’s Bazar District Jubo Dal (BNP’s youth wing), made allegations regarding the person recording the video: “Absar, who presented this, always promoted the Awami League’s (AL) members of parliament in Cox’s Bazar’s four seats during the AL tenure. Now, is the condition of Jamaat-e-Islami activists so fragile that they have to hire an AL associate to run their campaign?”
Another Facebook user, Forkhan Nisho, offered a mixed prediction, commenting, “Arrogance will fall, but there will be a tough fight.”
Candidate’s Background and Pledge
Shahidul Alam Bahadur, often known locally as ‘VP Bahadur’ due to his past role as Vice President (VP) of the Cox’s Bazar Government College Student Union, is also a former Vice Chairman of the Sadar Upazila Parishad.
The Jamaat candidate recently held a campaign event titled ‘Run With VP Bahadur’ in Cox’s Bazar town on November 29 as part of his early electioneering efforts.
In a separate statement, Shahidul Alam Bahadur expressed confidence and outlined his vision, saying: “By the support of the people and the mercy of Allah, we will be victorious and remain firm in fulfilling our promises. Our steps to enhance youth education and technological skills will be effective and timely in fulfilling the people’s expectation of building a new Bangladesh.”
The Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency is set for a potentially close contest, as the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has given its primary nomination to Lutfor Rahman Kajol, the party’s Fisheries Affairs Secretary and a former Member of Parliament for the seat (2008 election). Both Shahidul Alam Bahadur and Lutfor Rahman Kajol had previously exchanged cordial greetings following their respective nominations in late November.
