BNP candidate for Patuakhali-1 and former Home Minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury. Photo: BSS

PATUAKHALI, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for Patuakhali-1 and former Home Minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has vowed to focus on meeting the basic needs of the people if elected in the upcoming 13th national election slated for February 12.

He made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) ahead of the polls.

Patuakhali-1 constituency comprises Patuakhali Sadar, Mirzaganj and Dumki upazilas. 

Chowdhury, a BNP Central Vice Chairman, previously served as Chief of the Air Force from 1991 to 1995. 

During the BNP-led government led by Begum Khaleda Zia, he was Home Minister from 2001 to 2004.

After retiring from service in 1995, Chowdhury joined BNP and later became a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2006.

He became president of Patuakhali district BNP in 2008 and has been serving as the party’s vice chairman since 2016.

Speaking about his election commitments, Chowdhury said the people of the constituency have modest expectations.

 “We live in remote areas. Our demands are not very high. We want to live in peace,” he said.

He added that development of local mosques, madrasas, schools and colleges, along with ensuring social security, are among the top priorities.

 “I want to work on these basic needs of the people,” he said.

Regarding compliance with the election code of conduct, Chowdhury said a special team has been deployed to train BNP leaders and activists on election-related matters.

 “They have been trained in a completely scientific manner,” he said, adding that the Election Commission has been cooperative and no violations have been reported so far in the constituency.

 “I hope this situation will continue, as people are now more aware and disciplined,” he added.

On the July Charter and referendum, Chowdhury said he would adhere strictly to party decisions.

“As a representative of a political party, the party’s decision is my decision. BNP always stands for justice, fairness and the rights of the people,” he said.

Expressing his expectations for the upcoming election, Chowdhury said voters want peace and security above all else.

“People may be willing to consume less food, but they do not want to face disappearances or late-night arrests by police in civilian clothes. To end these, a good government is needed,” said Chowdhury who is contesting the election with the BNP’s electoral symbol “Sheaf of Paddy.” 
He emphasized that fair, neutral and credible elections are essential to form such a government, adding, “So, I am expecting neutral elections.”

Other candidates in the race include Abdul Mannan Howlader (Jatiya Party), Gautam Chandra Shil (Bangladesh JASAD), Md Abdul Wahab (AB Party), Md Firoz Alam (Islami Andolan Bangladesh) and Shahidul Islam Fahim (Gono Odhikar Parishad).

Patuakhali-1 constituency is a politically significant seat in the southern Barisal division. It is bordered by parts of Barishal district to the north, Patuakhali-2 and Patuakhali-4 to the south, Baufal to the east and Barishal division to the west.

The area has strong potential in agriculture, fisheries, trade and education, supported by a river- and canal-based economy. 

However, residents continue to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor communication systems, limited healthcare facilities and unemployment.

With a total of 505,835 voters — including 254,335 male voters, 251,492 female voters and eight third-gender voters — political activities have intensified across the constituency.

Local political analysts believe that development, good governance, employment opportunities and social security will be key factors shaping voter decisions in Patuakhali-1.