In a significant political shift for the Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur) constituency, heavyweight independent candidate and former BNP lawmaker M A Khalek has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Declaring his departure from the race during a discussion meeting at the Tejkhali High School grounds on Saturday afternoon, M A Khalek called upon BNP leaders and activists to work actively on the ground to ensure the victory of Zonayed Saki, the Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan.
Following Tarique Rahman’s Directive
M A Khalek revealed that his decision came after direct communication and instructions from BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
“Tarique Rahman asked me to make this sacrifice in the interest of the country,” M A Khalek stated. “He spoke with great humility and sincerity, assuring me that my expulsion from the party would be withdrawn and that a dignified position within the party would be granted in the future.”
Addressing his supporters, the veteran politician emphasized the importance of sending a “dynamic” leader like Zonayed Saki to Parliament.
“Sending Zonayed Saki to Parliament will benefit us all. He is a dynamic leader who may even become a minister in the future. I cannot go against the instructions of our Chairman Tarique Rahman,” he added.
Consolidating the Alliance Vote
M A Khalek, who served as the Member of Parliament for this constituency after winning on a BNP ticket in 2001, had initially sought the party’s nomination for the 13th polls. However, as part of the coalition agreement, the BNP opted to leave the seat for Zonayed Saki, representing the alliance.
Displeased with the decision, M A Khalek and Bancharampur Upazila BNP President Mehdi Hassan filed their candidacies as independents, leading to their expulsion from the BNP’s National Executive Committee. Following the disqualification of Mehdi Hassan’s candidacy during the scrutiny process, M A Khalek remained the primary hurdle for the alliance candidate.
Political Implications
Political analysts suggest that M A Khalek’s withdrawal significantly clears the path for Zonayed Saki. Had the former MP stayed in the race, the division of the BNP’s grassroots vote bank would have made the contest extremely difficult for the alliance candidate.
With M A Khalek now throwing his weight behind Zonayed Saki, the alliance’s position in Bancharampur appears substantially strengthened as the election draws near.
