Widespread anger and frustration have gripped BNP grassroots activists and the general public in the Jashore-1 (Sharsha) constituency after the party announced its preliminary candidate list for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The exclusion of young and dedicated leader and Sharsha Upazila BNP’s General Secretary, Alhaj Nuruzzaman Liton, and the nomination of former BNP central office secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti has drawn mixed reactions among local supporters.

On 3 November, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir released the party’s initial list of 237 candidates. However, Liton’s name was missing from the Jashore-1 list, triggering strong resentment at the grassroots level.

Local BNP leaders say Nuruzzaman Liton is one of the most popular figures in the constituency and has been a steadfast leader through the party’s most difficult times. He faces more than 30 cases, including arson and sabotage cases in Dhaka and several others in Jashore. Despite repeated imprisonment, he never betrayed the party. For 17 consecutive years, he has stood by BNP’s grassroots workers through every movement and struggle.

Liton began his political journey in 1988 through Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. Within a year, in 1989, he became the joint convenor of Sharsha Upazila Chhatra Dal. Since then, his political advancement has been uninterrupted.

In 1995, he was elected president of the Sharsha Upazila Chhatra Dal, and again in 1997. In 2003, he became president of the Sharsha unit of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal.

In 2010, he was elected a central committee member of Jubo Dal and served in that role until 2016. Later, he served as assistant general secretary of Khulna Division Jubo Dal. Notably, in 2020, under instructions from Tarique Rahman, he played a key role in reorganizing Jubo Dal across the country. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people feared leaving their homes, Liton risked his own life to form committees across all upazilas in Khulna Division.

In 2022, Nuruzzaman Liton became vice president of the central Jubo Dal and served until 2024. In January 2025, he was elected general secretary of Sharsha Upazila BNP, a role he continues to hold, working actively to strengthen the party at the upazila level.

Additionally, in 2023, as part of implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point programme, Liton distributed leaflets across every union and village in Sharsha. After the devastating nationwide floods following 5 August, he personally assisted affected families in the constituency.

Sirajul Islam Siraj, a senior leader from Dighirpar area, said, “Liton is a dedicated, tested, and clean-image young leader. It’s impossible to imagine Sharsha BNP without him.” He urged the party to reconsider Tripti’s nomination and declare Liton as the final candidate to ensure victory for the BNP in the constituency.

Farmers, housewives, day labourers, and locals echoed similar sentiments.
Farmer Saiduzzaman of Putapara said, “Liton has never worked for his own gain—always for ideology. Removing a sacrifice-driven leader like him will only harm the party.”

Housewife Suraiya Khatun from Benapole Municipality said, “He always stands beside the poor and helpless. We are very disappointed his name is not on the list.”

Day labourer Shamsuddin Mia of Ulashi area added, “During the recent floods along the border, Liton personally helped affected families with relief and financial aid. There is no alternative to Liton in Sharsha.”

Sharsha Upazila BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Mostafa Kamal Mintu said, “Liton is the lifeline of BNP’s grassroots in Sharsha. He stays among the people and holds the highest level of popularity. Central decisions often overlook ground realities. We are extremely disappointed that his name is not on the list.” He urged Tarique Rahman to reconsider the nomination.

Sharsha Upazila BNP General Secretary Nuruzzaman Liton, responding to the development, said, “For 17 years, I have carried the responsibility of BNP’s politics in Sharsha during the party’s darkest days. More than 30 false cases have been filed against me. Under the fascist Awami League regime, I arranged treatment and financial assistance for victimised BNP activists.”

He added, “The nomination declared is only preliminary. The final decision has not been made yet. I believe Tarique Rahman will review it. The person who has been given the preliminary nomination has not been with the party during its difficult years. He was expelled for being a reformist leader and rejoined the party only in 2018. He has no connection with local activists. I have asked supporters to remain patient. I have full trust in the party’s decision.”