District BNP Joint General Secretary ANM Bazlur Rashid Kalu is an independent candidate for Dinajpur-2 constituency in the 13th National Parliament election. Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - ANM Bazlur Rashid Kalu, joint general secretary of Dinajpur district BNP, has said that if elected, his top priority would be to eliminate extortion and restore public safety in the area. 

Kalu is contesting from Dinajpur-2 (Biral and Bochaganj upazilas) in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election slated for February-12. 

In an interview with BSS, Kalu said, “I want to build a safe town by taking strict action against extortionists.” 

He alleged that extortionists emerged during the Awami League regime, creating fear and instability among peace-loving residents.

Kalu said creating employment opportunities and ensuring visible development would also be his key goals.

He stated that he has instructed his leaders and activists to strictly follow the Election Commission’s code of conduct. 

Kalu said all banners and festoons were removed immediately after the election schedule was announced and emphasized his commitment to a lawful and peaceful campaign.

Expressing support for the July Charter, Kalu said the July Uprising was the outcome of joint efforts by the students, public, and BNP leaders and activists. 

“I am fully in favor of implementing the July Charter and I urge voters to cast a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum,” he added.

Reflecting on his political journey, Kalu said he has long been involved in BNP politics and previously served as chairman of Biral Upazila Parishad.

Although he was not nominated by the BNP despite being a qualified candidate, he sought and received permission to contest as an independent candidate. 

“If the election is held fairly and peacefully, I am hopeful of winning,” he added.

Dinajpur-2 constituency includes two municipalities and 18 unions, with a total of 116 polling stations. The constituency has 371,478 voters, including 187,112 men and 184,366 women.

A total of eight candidates are contesting the seat, including BNP candidate Sadiq Riaz Pinak Chowdhury, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate AKM Afzalul Anam, Jatiya Party Advocate Md Zulfikar Hossain, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Muhammad Redwanul Karim Rabid, Bangladesh Muslim League Md Mukaram Hossain, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Jobayer Sayeed, and independent candidates Anwar Chowdhury Jibon and ANM Bazlur Rashid Kalu, joint general secretary of district BNP.