Abul Basar Khan, a central leader of the banned Awami League and a fugitive accused in the July Revolution murder case, has submitted his nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 constituency. Following the announcement, he has become visibly active in the area, accompanied by a large motorcade. On November 28, he declared his candidacy at his own Razzak Jute Mill hall in Madhukhali, hosting over a thousand guests including two hundred journalists.

According to case documents, Basar is the 27th accused among 95 individuals named in a case filed at Mirpur Model Police Station, with Sheikh Hasina listed as the prime accused. The case, now under investigation, alleges brutal attacks on students and civilians during the July movement. Basar remains neither arrested nor on bail. He holds positions in the Awami League’s central subcommittee and Madhukhali Upazila advisory council.

Local voters have labeled him a “guest bird” for his sudden reappearance, while activists from the anti-discrimination student movement in Faridpur described his candidacy as a rehabilitation of fascism.