Dr Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday and will contest the upcoming national election from the Cumilla-7 constituency under the party’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy.

Redwan Ahmed arrived at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in the morning and formally joined the party at simple programme, leaving the LDP.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “We were part of the joint movement, and I agree with the number of seats BNP will leave for the LDP as an alliance partner. However, my party chairman Oli Ahmed does not agree with this decision.”

He said most members of the LDP Standing Committee, as well as leaders and activists across the country, shared his position.

“I hope Oli Ahmed will reconsider and agree to an electoral understanding with the BNP….whether he contests the election or not, I will contest it in agreement with BNP. I have been associated with the BNP since its early days, which is why I am formally returning to the party and will take part in the election,” Redwan said.

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He also confirmed that he has already submitted his resignation letter to the LDP chairman and claimed that many LDP leaders and activists nationwide would join the BNP and work for its candidates.

Welcoming him, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir congratulated Redwan Ahmed, saying his return was like “a son coming back home” and that it would further strengthen the BNP.

He announced that Redwan Ahmed would contest the next election as the BNP candidate from the Cumilla-7 constituency.

BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the joining ceremony.

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