With the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, competition for the BNP nomination in Tangail-4 (Kalihati) Constituency has intensified. The party's high command has already launched surveys and screening processes, directly overseen by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
A total of eight candidates are seeking BNP tickets in this constituency. The candidates are- Prof. Dr. Shah Alam Talukdar, central leader of Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB); Md. Lutfar Rahman Matin, member of BNP's National Executive Committee; Benazir Ahmed Titu, Assistant Organizing Secretary for Dhaka Division; Engineer Badlur Rahman Khan Badol, President of Malaysia BNP; Engineer Md. Abdul Halim Mia, President of Dhaka Metropolitan Muktijoddha Dal; Bir Muktijoddha Md. Shukur Mahmud, former president of Kalihati Upazila BNP; Mojammel Haque Hiru, former President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal; and Prof. A.K.M. Abdul Awal.
Kalihati has long been a politically significant seat. After the historic rivalry between Shahjahan Siraj and Abdul Latif Siddiqui, the constituency is now represented by Awami League's Hasan Imam Khan Sohel Hazari. Notably, BNP boycotted the elections in 1986, 1988, 2014, and 2024.
According to BNP's officials, only 'dedicated, honest, and clean image candidates' will be considered for nominations this time. In this light, local opinion suggests that Prof. Dr. Shah Alam Talukdar is in a strong position. Alongside his medical profession, he has provided free healthcare for years, played a frontline role during the COVID-19 crisis, and extended support to the underprivileged-earning the trust of ordinary people.
However, supporters of other aspirants are also making strong cases. Lutfar Rahman Matin's followers emphasise his sacrifice and loyalty to the party, while many view Benazir Ahmed Titu as a promising young leader. Supporters of Engineer Abdul Halim Mia argue that his 2018 nomination gives him an advantage this time too. Engineer Badlur Rahman Khan Badol is seen as influential for strengthening BNP's overseas network, while Bir Muktijoddha Shukur Mahmud is regarded as a popular grassroots leader. Meanwhile, Mojammel Haque Hiru and Prof. Abdul Awal continue active lobbying and outreach.
The nomination race in Kalihati is therefore highly competitive, and it remains uncertain who will secure BNP's final ticket.
According to party guidelines, preference will go to leaders with proven sacrifice, imprisonment records, honesty, ideological commitment, and a clean image.
Local activists believe that whoever receives the nomination will mount a strong challenge against the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Professor Khandaker Abdur Razzak under the BNP's electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy.
