In a rare show of unity amid growing disputes over nominations within the BNP, local leaders have welcomed the selection of Reza Kibria as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the Habiganj-1 constituency.
Across Bangladesh, the BNP’s nomination process has triggered protests, infighting, and public criticism from grassroots activists. But in Habiganj, the response stood in sharp contrast.
Reza Kibria, son of former Awami League finance minister SAMS Kibria, joined the BNP recently and secured the nomination for the Habiganj-1 (Nabiganj–Bahubal) seat. Local BNP leaders, however, raised no objections.
One of the main nomination aspirants, Sabir Uddin Ahmed, a former mayor of Nabiganj, issued a written statement endorsing Reza Kibria’s candidacy and pledging full support for the party’s decision.
Ahmed said he had been involved with the BNP for nearly three decades and had twice won municipal elections with the party symbol, defeating Awami League candidates on both occasions. He acknowledged that he had sought the nomination himself for the upcoming 13th national election.
He wrote, “The party has made its decision. As a committed activist, I must show loyalty to that decision.”
He also thanked supporters in the Nabiganj and Bahubal areas and urged BNP activists to unite behind the party’s candidate as Bangladesh heads toward a tense and closely watched national election.
