a former three-time Member of Parliament and current independent candidate for the Naogaon-1 constituency, Dr. Salek Chowdhury

NAOGAON, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) – Dr. Salek Chowdhury, a former three-time Member of Parliament and current independent candidate for the Naogaon-1 constituency, has unveiled a comprehensive election manifesto focus on agricultural development, anti-corruption measures, and social welfare.

Dr. Salek, a former leader of BNP who is running independently after failing to secure party nomination, faces competition from candidates representing BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, and Jatiya Party.

In an exclusive interview with the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Dr. Salek discussed his vision for the region.
BSS: What are your electoral promises for the voters in your area?

Dr. Salek Chowdhury: This area is agriculture-based; I want to develop agriculture in the area of my constituency. Every year there are incidents of fighting over fertilizer; measures will be taken so that farmers get a fair price for paddy. Since Sapahar, Porsha, and Niamatpur are Barind Upazilas, water is scarce in many places, so water arrangements will be made using small pumps.

I will also complete the construction of major roads that have remained unfinished. When I was MP from 2001 to 2006, there was a project for Jaboi Beel which has since stopped; that project will be restarted. I promise that no one will be able to forcibly occupy the nearly 4,000 small and large ponds in Niamatpur Upazila. Arrangements will be made so that unemployed youth and institutions like mosques and temples can become self-reliant by using these ponds in fish farming.

At the time I was MP, there were no drug spots here, but now drugs are available just by extending a hand. If elected MP again, I will make this seat drug-free. I want to work for the financial development of the area and for the educated unemployed boys and girls, as well as working to improve the quality of education.

BSS: What are your instructions to activists regarding the observance of the electoral code of conduct?

Dr. Salek Chowdhury: We will never go outside the election code of conduct. That instruction has been given to all leaders and activists.

BSS: What is your position on the referendum regarding the 'July Charter'?

Dr. Salek Chowdhury: Two thousand people died in the July uprising; they gave their lives for the country. The charter that has been given is for the country, not for the development of a party. 
Therefore, in the interest of the country, a ‘Yes’ vote must be given. I will say, everyone should vote ‘Yes’ for the country.

BSS: What are your expectations regarding the upcoming national parliamentary election?

Dr. Salek Chowdhury: I am a soldier of the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Considering people’s support in the three police stations, I will get 90 percent of the support. I was an MP three times; I have always kept myself honest and just and never committed injustice. Those who are with me will remain honest; dishonest activists cannot stay with me.

The constituency comprises the Sapahar, Porsha, and Niamatpur upazilas, sits adjacent to the Indian border and is home to a significant number of ethnic minority voters who have historically acted as a deciding factor in the national elections.

Prominent contenders include BNP nominee Mostafizur Rahman, independent candidate Dr. Salek Chowdhury, Abdul Haque Shah of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Akbar Ali of Jatiya Party.

The constituency has a total of 456,169 voters, including 235,380 men, 238,683 women, and four third-gender voters.