In Godagari upazila of Rajshahi, local Awami League leader Sunandan Das Ratan was seen campaigning for the BNP candidate Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin in the Rajshahi-1 constituency. A 53-second video posted on Facebook by a former Chhatra League activist showed Ratan urging people to vote for the BNP symbol, saying, “We need an umbrella.” Ratan, a former assistant publicity secretary of the Godagari Awami League and a proposed vice president in 2024, confirmed the video was recorded during his campaign in Mohanpur Union.

Ratan, a retired customs officer accused of amassing illegal wealth, previously held local political positions under former MP Omar Faruk Chowdhury. He claimed his support for the BNP candidate was his personal decision, denying any current position in the Awami League. The video drew criticism from a banned Chhatra League member, who accused Ratan of betraying the party for personal gain. Local BNP president Abdus Salam Shawal said he was unaware of the matter and could not stop anyone acting independently.

The incident has stirred debate in Godagari politics, highlighting shifting loyalties ahead of upcoming elections.