The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled executive committee member Samiran Dewan for contesting the upcoming national parliamentary election as an independent candidate, defying the party’s decision.
The expulsion was confirmed in a press release on Sunday signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
According to the release, Dewan has been removed from all positions within the party, including his primary membership.
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In Khagrachari, eight political parties and three independent candidates are contesting the election. Dewan has filed nomination for the Khagrachari - 298 constituency as an independent candidate, contesting under the football symbol. BNP’s nominated candidate for the seat is Wadud Bhuiyan.
Commenting on the matter, Khagrachari BNP Joint General Secretary Animesh Chakma Rinku said, “Since he defied the party’s decision, the matter was reported to the central committee. Finally, expelling him from the party is a positive step.”
Responding to his expulsion, Dewan said, “Since I am contesting as an independent candidate, the party’s decision to expel me does not affect me. I am currently running as the people’s candidate.”