The BNP rebel candidate in the Jashore-1 (Sharsha) constituency and president of Sharsha upazila BNP, Abul Hasan Zahir, has finally withdrawn his nomination papers, giving a new turn to the political equation in the much-discussed seat ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election.

He formally withdrew his nomination on Tuesday (January 20) at noon by appearing at the office of the assistant returning officer of Sharsha upazila.

Speaking to reporters, Abul Hasan Zahir said he had taken the decision in the interest of maintaining party discipline and as part of the party’s overall electoral strategy.

The selection of the BNP candidate for the Jashore-1 constituency had been a subject of intense discussion and political activity for a long time in the run-up to the national election.

Political analysts believe that the withdrawal of the rebel candidate will further consolidate the position of BNP’s official nominee, Alhaj Nuruzzaman Liton, in the constituency.

They said the move is expected to strengthen organisational unity within the BNP and place the party in a more favourable position in terms of electoral prospects.