The Election Commission (EC) declared the Rangpur-3 seat vacant after the death of H M Ershad, triggering a mass campaign by potential candidates. While candidates from Jatiya Party (JaPa) and Awami League are on the field, BNP candidates are absent.
However, BNP has said that though no one is campaigning, they have finalised a candidate.
Possible JaPa candidates are SM Yasir, general secretary of city JaPa committee, district unit President Fakhrul Islam Jahangir and Acting General Secretary Abdur Razzak.
However, there’s a rumour that party co-chairman Raushon Ershad wants Saad Ershad as a candidate there.
The possible AL candidate maybe central committee advisory member, Md Khalekuzzaman and BNP might give its ticket to city unit president Mozaffar Hossain.
Rangpur JaPa members and workers want to see a leader who has made sacrifices for the party as a candidate and has no interest in Saad Ershad.
They say, Saad never came to Rangpur after 1991 and hardly anyone knows him there. On the other hand, Eric Ershad may be more acceptable since he has accompanied Ershad to Rangpur several times.
He was also introduced to the general people and party workers.
Acting General Secretary of JaPa’s district unit Abdur Razzak, has said: “I am with the party since 1982 and tolerated many travails and workers want me to be a candidate. Based on the wishes of the people, I have decided to ask for the nomination.”
Al’s district unit leaders, however, say that the ‘Ershad craze’ has long waned and he only won because AL did not give a candidate against him. AL workers say that Chowdhury Khalekuzzamn has worked assiduously and deserves the nomination.
Khalekuzzamn has also come to Rangpur to carry out campaigns, said, workers.
BNP’s district unit president has said: “The party has not taken any decision about contesting for the seat.”
However, it’s believed that if BNP takes part then city BNP president, Mozaffar Hossain will be the candidate.