Protesters in Noakhali-2 reject alliance-nominated NCP candidate

Some voters in Noakhali-2 (Senbagh-Sonaimuri) staged a demonstration on Monday, rejecting the alliance-nominated National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate for the constituency.

Protesters demanded the nomination of local Jamaat-e-Islami leader Maulana Sayed Ahmed, citing his long-standing organisational presence, instead of the current nominee, Sultan Zakaria of the NCP.

Witnesses said locals formed an hour-long human chain at the Senbagh Rastar Matha area around noon and blocked the road, halting traffic on the Lakshmipur-Noakhali-Feni-Chattogram highway.

Speakers at the rally alleged that Zakaria is unknown to the local public and has never conducted mass outreach in the area. They warned of boycotting the polls if a candidate without public support is imposed.

Following the human chain, protesters brought out a procession demanding intervention from central leaders and threatened tougher programmes if their demands were not met.

Contacted, NCP District Coordinator Tuhin Imran admitted that their candidate lacks local familiarity but defended his qualifications.

“He is NCP’s international affairs secretary and a Dhaka University student pursuing a PhD in the US. He was nominated as per the alliance’s decision,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaat leader Maulana Sayed Ahmed denied involvement in the protest.

“I don’t know who organised this rally under the banner of general people. Jamaat-e-Islami is not involved,” he said.

On the matter, Noakhali district Jamaat Ameer Ishak Khandakar said, “Some of our over-enthusiastic supporters did this. Our alliance has decided to withdraw Jamaat candidates in Noakhali-2 and Noakhali-6 and work for the NCP. The protest was held by NCP supporters because they do not want the Jamaat candidate to withdraw.