A festive atmosphere swept through Bogura on Monday evening as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced that party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from two separate constituencies in the district.
According to the announcement, Begum Khaleda Zia will contest from Bogura-7 (Gabtoli–Shajahanpur), while Tarique Rahman will run for Bogura-6 (Sadar). The news sparked jubilant celebrations among party members and locals, with spontaneous processions, chants, and the distribution of sweets across the city.
BNP supporters took to the streets in large numbers, waving party flags and chanting slogans in support of their leaders. A grand procession organised by the district BNP started from the party office and marched through the main streets of Bogura city. In Gabtoli, local BNP activists held a rally urging voters to ensure record-breaking victories for the two top party leaders.
Party sources said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir officially confirmed the nominations during a press conference in Dhaka, where other district-level nominations were also revealed. The complete list for Bogura includes Kazi Rafiqul Islam (Bogura-1), Abdul Muhit Talukder (Bogura-3), Mosharraf Hossain (Bogura-4), and GM Siraj (Bogura-5).
Local residents expressed overwhelming excitement, calling the nominations a turning point for the district.
“There’s no alternative to Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman for Bogura’s progress,” said Mahmud Sharif Mithu, former president of the Bogura Fruit Traders Association. “The people of Bogura are eagerly waiting to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy symbol and ensure their victory.”
Ahsan Habib Momi, President of Bogura City Jubo Dal, said: “The youth are thrilled by the news. We’re ready to vote and campaign for our leaders. The young generation will fulfil its responsibility through the ballot.”
Abdur Rahim Pintu, General Secretary of Gabtoli Municipality BNP, described Khaleda Zia’s nomination as “a matter of pride” for the area, while former mayor Saiful Islam said campaign activities have already begun in full swing.
“Begum Khaleda Zia was elected from this seat before and became Prime Minister. We’ll go door-to-door to ensure her victory again,” he said.
BNP’s Bogura District President Rezaul Karim Badsha expressed gratitude and optimism: “We thank Almighty Allah that our leader Begum Khaleda Zia has agreed to contest the election. Both she and Tarique Rahman have our full support, and we are ready to secure the highest number of votes in the country for them.”
As one of BNP’s strongest political bastions, Bogura has long been considered a symbolic heartland of the party. The candidacies of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have now reignited grassroots enthusiasm, giving the opposition party renewed momentum ahead of the national election.
