Sharaf Uddin Azad Sohel, vice president of Ramgati Upazila Awami League, has collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar) constituency. He obtained the documents from Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa on Thursday afternoon, signaling his intent to run as an independent candidate.

Sohel, a two-time upazila chairman and long-time Awami League figure, has drawn criticism for his decision to seek candidacy outside the party banner. Local political and social circles have expressed surprise and discontent, citing his controversial past and alleged involvement in political violence during his tenure. Attempts to reach Sohel for comment were unsuccessful.

The returning officer stated she is new to the upazila and will review the matter further. Sohel’s move adds a new dimension to the electoral dynamics in Lakshmipur-4, where party loyalty and independent bids are expected to shape the upcoming contest.