In a significant shift in local political equations, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially extended its support to Jasim Uddin, the Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate for the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The decision comes after the candidacy of the BNP-nominated aspirant, Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, was canceled due to loan default issues. With no candidate under the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ (Dhaner Sheish) symbol, the party has directed its grassroots leaders and activists to back Jasim Uddin, who is contesting with the ‘Truck’ symbol.
This move sets up a direct challenge against Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent leader of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and the candidate of the 11-party alliance (which includes Jamaat-e-Islami), who is contesting with the ‘Shaplakoli’ (Water Lily Bud) symbol.
Strategic Shift in Debidwar
The announcement was confirmed on Thursday morning (February 5) by AFM Tarek Munshi, the Member Secretary of Cumilla North District BNP. He stated that the decision follows verbal instructions from the party’s central command and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
“Since there is no ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ candidate in Cumilla-4 for the February 12 polls, we have been instructed to strengthen the hands of the party and Tarique Rahman by supporting Jasim Uddin,” said AFM Tarek Munshi. “We urge the people of Debidwar to stand by the ‘Truck’ symbol and work for its victory.”
Reactions from the Camps
Abu Hanif, a member of the Higher Council and Media Coordinator of Gono Odhikar Parishad, welcomed the support, noting that it would consolidate the anti-incumbency and pro-democracy votes in the region.
Local political analysts believe that BNP’s organized organizational structure in Debidwar—traditionally a BNP stronghold—could significantly boost Jasim Uddin’s chances. Previously, Hasnat Abdullah was considered the frontrunner in the absence of a direct BNP candidate.
The ‘Truck’ symbol is now being promoted by BNP activists as the alternative to the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in this constituency. Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, the disqualified BNP heavyweight, has also reportedly called upon his supporters to hit the ground for the ‘Truck’ candidate, stating, “In Debidwar, the ‘Truck’ is now our ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.”
As the campaign enters its final stretch before the February 10 deadline, the contest in Cumilla-4 has effectively turned into a high-stakes battle between the Gono Odhikar Parishad-BNP alliance and the NCP-Jamaat coalition.
