BNP has officially nominated VP Shamsur Rahman, 68, as its candidate for the Pabna-1 (Santhia and part of Bera) constituency in the upcoming parliamentary election.
After receiving the nomination letter on Saturday evening, Shamsur Rahman expressed gratitude by posting “Alhamdulillah” on his Facebook account.
Confirming the matter, Santhia Municipality BNP President Abdul Karim said that the party high command handed over the Sheaf of Paddy symbol to Shamsur Rahman on Saturday evening (20 December 2025). He also urged party leaders and activists not to organise any victory procession.
According to party sources, Shamsur Rahman is the eldest son of Akkaj Ali Mollah of Karamja village in Santhia upazila. He began his political career as President of Bera College Chhatra Dal and later served as Vice-President of Bera College Students’ Union. He was also President of Bera Upazila Chhatra Dal and went on to serve three terms as General Secretary of Santhia Upazila BNP, along with two terms as Senior Joint Convener.
Speaking to reporters, Shamsur Rahman said he would work with all party members to ensure the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy. He expressed gratitude to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, adding that the party high command had made the right decision in selecting the candidate.
Historically, several prominent figures have represented the Pabna-1 constituency. In 1996, Professor Abu Sayeed was elected and later became State Minister for Information under the Awami League government. In 2001, Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami was elected from the seat and served as Minister for Agriculture and Industry. In 2008, Advocate Shamsul Haque Tuku won the seat and later served as State Minister for Home Affairs, Power and Energy, as well as Deputy Speaker. Earlier, during the Ershad regime, Major (retd) Manzur Qader represented the constituency and served as a State Minister.
In the 13th parliamentary election, Barrister Najibur Rahman Momen, son of late Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, is contesting the seat as a Jamaat candidate.
