RAJSHAHI, Feb 16, (V7N) - BNP’s loss in the Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) constituency during the 13th National Parliament election has sparked widespread discussion, with party leaders and activists blaming internal deceit by some members.

Despite strong grassroots support, BNP candidate DM Ziaur Rahman Zia was defeated by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dr. Abdul Bari Sardar, who won with the scales symbol by a margin of 5,765 votes. The constituency, comprising 16 unions and two municipalities, has historically been dominated by BNP and Awami League, with Jamaat wielding little influence.

Local BNP leaders said the defeat stemmed from factional conflict. Bhabaniganj Municipal BNP President and former mayor Abdur Razzak explained that 11 BNP leaders had sought nomination before the election schedule was announced. Zia, chosen through field surveys, received the party ticket. However, those denied nomination allegedly encouraged their followers to oppose him, with some openly urging votes for Jamaat’s candidate.

“This betrayal cost BNP the seat,” Razzak said, reflecting frustration among activists who believed the party had a golden opportunity to reclaim the constituency.

END/AJ/RH