Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), has officially joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
On Monday (December 8), Selim formally joined BNP at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, presenting flowers to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. During the ceremony, Amir Khasru confirmed that Selim has been nominated as BNP’s candidate for the Lakshmipur-1 constituency, contesting under the party’s election symbol, the “Dhanshish” (paddy sheaf).
Selim had previously contested the same constituency in the 2018 elections as a candidate of an alliance. Before joining BNP, he announced the suspension of all activities of his former party, the BLDP.
Amir Khasru said, “Selim has earned this nomination for Dhanshish in recognition of his contributions to the party’s movements and struggles. With him as the candidate, victory in the upcoming election is assured, Insha’Allah. Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, we must work together to ensure Dhanshish wins. There is no alternative. We must succeed in the struggle to protect Bangladesh, restore democracy, and return ownership of the country to the people. Unity in purpose is essential, even if competition and differences exist among us.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Selim said, “My political journey began with the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. For some reasons, I had to leave BNP in the past, but I always carried the party in my heart and have continued to participate in political movements alongside BNP.”
Selim formally announced the dissolution of the BLDP at the event. He added, “After 25 years, I am proud to return home. Those who have joined the party alongside me should be properly recognized. I promise to strengthen BNP’s hand in the coming days.”
The joining ceremony was also attended by BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Organizational Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, and other party leaders.
