Saifullah Nasir, from Amtali (Barguna):

Maulana Shamim Ahmed, who was victim of torture and harassment during the fascist Awami League government regime even after staying in London, is now going to be a ray of hope for the people of Barguna-2 constituency (Pathorghata-Bamna upazila).

Many people of the area urged the high-ups of the central BNP to nominate Maulana Shamim for the next national parliamentary polls.

Even being London expat, Shamim has been working with BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and has already undertaken a project worth about Tk 30,000 crore by passing a deal with World Bank in the name of his own company for the development of his area. The projects’ objective is development of his self locality and improvement of poor and middle income groups’ living standard. Due to these projects and various other reasons, Shamim has now become popular to the Pathorghat-Bamna people.

Meanwhile, speculation has started swirling in the minds of locals that, if Maulana Shamim gets BNP ticket for Patharghata-Bamna upazila in the next national parliament election, he will get victory obviously.

Locals said, starting the political career from BNP’s grassroots level. Shamim Ahmed, also a permanent resident of Ward No. 3 of Sadar Municipality in Patharghata Upazila, has now been serving various responsibilities of BNP in district and national level. While in the country, he served as the Joint General Secretary of Barguna District BNP, served as the Joint Convener of the Nationalist Central Ulema Party and is currently serving as its central leader.

After the fall of Hasina, when several parties including BNP quickly prepared for the national elections, Shamim Ahmed from London instructed his leaders and activists to prepare the voting ground. He has taken part in different programmes through online platform.

Maulana Shamim has said that, he will return to the country soon and participate in the election campaign in person.

BNP is busy with various programmes including reorganizing the committees in various districts and upazilas. BNP wants to form a government through quick elections and return the country to a democratic path. In continuation of this, those who want to be candidates for BNP in the Barguna seats have become active.

Maulana Shamim Ahmed, who wants to participate in the election on behalf of BNP, said, “I have worked in the area for a long time. I am ready to vote in the national elections with the determination to strengthen the hands of the future leader Tarique Rahman.