Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Nov 13, 2025 (BSS) - Leaders and activists of Khulna city unit BNP have been directed to work together for the party’s nominated candidate for Khulna-2 (Sadar and Sonadanga) constituency Nazrul Islam Manju, ‘Sheaf of Paddy.’ 

The directive was given at an extended meeting of Khulna city BNP held today.

Earlier, the Sadar and Sonadanga thana committees had announced a two-day programme demanding cancellation of Manju’s nomination, which was later withdrawn. 

On Wednesday night, the thana leaders waited to submit a memorandum to the party’s central assistant student affairs secretary Rokibul Islam Bokul but failed to meet him.

According to party sources, Bokul conveyed through an intermediary that everyone must follow the central directive and work for Manju. 

He reportedly warned that those opposing Manju could face dissolution of the city committee or stern organizational action. Following this, the city BNP convened an emergency extended meeting this morning.

The meeting, held at the party office on K.D. Ghosh Road with city BNP president Shafiqul Alam Mona in the chair, was attended by leaders of thana and ward committees. General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin conducted the session.

During the meeting, ward leaders complained that Manju and his followers were campaigning independently without involving existing ward BNP leadership. The issue sparked dissatisfaction among several local leaders.

City BNP organizing Secretary Chowdhury Hasanur Rashid Miraj said, “Some complaints have been raised, but we expect these matters to be resolved after tonight’s meeting with central leader and Khulna-3 candidate Rokibul Islam Bokul. The meeting today decided to work unitedly for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.”

City BNP general secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin added, “We have called upon all thana and ward committees to ensure the victory of our party symbol. We are united behind the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.”

Party insiders said the relationship between Manju and the five thana committees had been strained for over four years due to his absence from organizational activities. To bridge the gap, central leaders held several rounds of meetings. 

However, local leaders had initially been reluctant to accept Manju’s candidacy.

Following Manju’s informal nomination as BNP’s probable candidate for Khulna-2, several meetings were held -- first at Manju’s residence on Sunday and later at Khulna Club on Monday and Tuesday nights-- attended by central leader Rokibul Islam Bokul, Khulna-3 candidate, Khulna-5 candidate Ali Asgar Lobi, and senior city leaders including Mona, Tuhin, and former secretary Moniruzzaman Moni. Former leaders reportedly pledged to work for Manju in those meetings.

Although Sadar and Sonadanga Thana BNP initially defied the directive and announced protest programmes, they have now withdrawn those plans under central pressure and refrained from launching any programme.

City BNP President S.M. Shafiqul Alam Mona said, “As per the directive of our acting chairman, we will contest the election unitedly for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. Today’s meeting instructed all units to work together.”