Tuku leads in election campaign of Tangail-5 Constituency

A familiar face across Bangladesh, BNP-nominated candidate for the Tangail-5 (Sadar) constituency and bearer of the Sheaf of Paddy symbol; Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has gained strong momentum in his election campaign. From neighborhoods and marketplaces to tea stalls, offices, and court premises, lively discussions and public support in favor of Tuku are visibly growing.

Young men and women, elderly citizens, students, teachers, farmers, day laborers, rickshaw pullers and people from all walks of life are actively joining Tuku’s campaign in Tangail-5.

Voters consistently said that casting their vote for Tuku will strengthen the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Voters from the char (riverine) areas describe Tuku as a trusted ally of the people and a pillar of the Tangail District BNP during its most difficult times.

They believe that in the upcoming national parliamentary election on 12 February, Tuku will be elected from Tangail-5 with an overwhelming margin.

Voters from the Hindu community in Tangail have also expressed strong confidence in Tuku. They stated that even during the previous government’s tenure, they were unable to conduct business safely.

According to them, Tangail-5 has nearly 70,000 Hindu voters. “Brother Tuku treats us with tolerance and respect. He regularly checks on us, and we are deeply impressed by his humility,” they said. They believe Tangail will become a model city of development if Tuku is elected as an MP—built upon the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Many believe that by nominating Tuku, Tarique Rahman has revitalized the fragile BNP politics in Tangail. News of Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Tangail on 11 January has spread joy across the district, with residents eagerly awaiting a glimpse of their leader.

Support for Tuku continues to grow daily. In every village, party leaders and activists are organizing and canvassing votes for him. Female voters are actively going door to door in his support, undeterred even by harsh winter weather. The common chant echoes everywhere: “The Sheaf of Paddy will win—Tuku will be MP.”

Supporters said that Tuku remains firmly committed to the ideals of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, follows the guidance of Khaleda Zia, and has sacrificed everything to keep BNP activists energized in respect of Tarique Rahman.

BNP's Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku is one of the leaders and activists who have shed blood on the streets, been imprisoned and tortured in the political arena. He has been repeatedly injured by police batons during street movements and stood by party workers throughout the years of repression under Awami League rule.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku took over the fragile politics of Tangail after August 5, 2024. He was able to unite those who supported the rice sheaf symbol for the party. This was possible based on Tuku's talent, hard work, and organizational skills.

BNP's popularity has increased since he was nominated by BNP from Tangail-5 (Sadar) constituency. Tarique Rahman himself is aware of Tuku's sacrifice for the party. Begum Khaleda Zia used to love and cherish Tuku like her own child. Sultan Salahuddin Tuku's contribution to the party is not limited to the party alone. Tuku's acceptance is immense for Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman as well.

By nominating Tuku, Tarique Rahman has inspired the neglected population of Tangail-5. Party activists believe the time has come to properly evaluate this tested leader of BNP’s most difficult era.

Among BNP’s central and grassroots leaders who have shed blood on the streets and endured imprisonment and repression, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku stands out prominently. His nomination from Tangail-5 has boosted BNP’s popularity in the region. His sacrifices for the party are well known to both Tarique Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, who treated Tuku like her own son. His contributions extend beyond party lines, earning him immense credibility at the highest levels of BNP.

After 5 August 2024, Tuku took the charge of Tangail’s fractured political landscape and successfully unified party activists around the Sheaf of Paddy symbol through his intellect, hard work, and organizational ability.

Allegations have emerged that rival candidates are receiving shelter from Awami League collaborators and engaging in case-trading and other opportunistic practices. Tuku has attempted to resist these forces, becoming a target of political vendettas. Grassroots leaders demand that BNP’s high command investigate these matters and take strict action against opportunists.

Supporters said that during Awami League’s rule, Tuku faced extreme persecution—fighting 338 false cases over 15 and a half years and serving jail terms 12 times. Five years of his life were lost within the machinery of the former regime. His wife, Sayma Parvin Simmi, was denied justice despite repeated appeals to authorities.

Tuku survived multiple assassination attempts inside and outside prison. His elder brother, former MP Advocate Abdus Salam Pintu, spent nearly 17 years in jail without guilt. The family endured fabricated cases and severe repression aimed at removing them from politics. Despite continued conspiracies, Tuku has devoted nearly his entire life to upholding the ideals of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman.

Tuku has been repeatedly injured in street protests while resisting injustice under the Hasina government. He was once dragged from a vehicle, blindfolded, and brutally beaten on Minto Road by police. As a result, he became one of the most reported persecuted BNP leaders in the media.

Begum Khaleda Zia frequently praised Tuku’s courage, intellect, patience, and organizational skill. In recognition of these qualities, Tarique Rahman appointed him BNP’s Publicity Secretary in 2024. During BNP’s most difficult times, Tuku emerged as one of the most dependable grassroots leaders.

Among the neglected population of Tangail-5, Tuku enjoys widespread popularity. Through tireless efforts, he has restored unity among activists and ordinary citizens. Some local leaders, frustrated by his constructive political role, have resorted to misinformation and conspiracy, resulting in their declining popularity and growing isolation.

A key reason for Tuku’s acceptance is that even without being an MP, he has facilitated development initiatives—particularly in the char areas. Through his efforts, multi-crore development projects are underway, including roads, educational institutions, mosques, and temples. A proposed nearly one-kilometer bridge over the Dhaleshwari River has advanced due to his lobbying, with construction expected after the election. Residents of the char region now place their trust in Tuku, hoping to see him elected as MP—and even as a future minister.

According to party sources, certain leaders confirming with Awami League affiliates have been campaigning against party decisions. Grassroots leaders demand investigations into allegations of corruption, extortion, tender manipulation, and sheltering former ruling-party operatives. They insist that disciplinary action be taken in the interest of the party.

Speaking on the matter, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said, “The fascist Awami League targeted our family to destroy BNP, but we did not surrender. Embracing the certainty of death, we carried the nationalist flag. Now, we are working to improve the lives of the people of Tangail Sadar. Tarique Rahman has nominated me. If elected as MP, and by the mercy of Allah, I will strive to transform Tangail, In sha’Allah.”