Khaleda files nomination papers for Bogura constituency; backup candidate in place

Nomination papers have been filed on behalf of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia for the Bogura-7 constituency in the upcoming general election.

As a precaution, the BNP also submitted nomination papers for Morshed Milton, president of the party’s Gabtali Upazila unit, as an alternative candidate for the seat covering Shahjahanpur and Gabtali upazilas on Monday, citing concerns over Khaleda’s health, bdnews24.com reported.

The 79-year-old leader has been undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital since November 23. She has long been suffering from arthritis and diabetes, along with complex complications involving her kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and eyes. On Saturday, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain described her condition as “complex and critical”.

District BNP leaders said a special prayer was offered at Bogura Central Mosque in the afternoon for Khaleda’s early recovery. Following the prayers, Helaluzzaman Talukder, an adviser to the BNP chairperson and a former lawmaker, submitted Khaleda’s nomination papers.

Meanwhile, Nagorik Oikko president Mahmudur Rahman Manna filed his nomination papers for the Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency as part of the BNP-led alliance. For the same seat, Shibganj Upazila BNP president Mir Shahe Alam also submitted nomination papers as an alternative candidate.

In Bogura-1 (Sariakandi–Sonatala), BNP nominee and former MP Kazi Rafiqul Islam submitted his nomination papers, while Sonatala Upazila BNP president Ahsan Tayeb Zakir also filed papers as a backup candidate.

Former Bogura District BNP general secretary and National Executive Committee member Ali Azgar Hena said nomination papers had been submitted by additional candidates in three constituencies as a security measure.

“Khaleda Zia is ill. If anything happens, the seat could be lost,” he said, adding that concerns had also been raised over possible loan-default issues involving candidates in Bogura-1 and Bogura-2.

“For that reason, alternative candidates have been kept to avoid any risk. Since there is still time, a final decision can be taken later,” he added.

Amid strong enthusiasm, nomination papers were also submitted for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency.

BNP leaders said all nomination papers were filed in line with party decisions and in full compliance with Election Commission rules.