In Faridpur-1 constituency, Awami League leader Kazi Atiar Rahman Robi publicly declared support for the BNP’s candidate Khandaker Nasirul Islam during an election campaign event held on Friday. Speaking as chair of a prayer gathering for late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Robi said he had joined the Awami League under Boalmari upazila chairman Musha Mia but would now vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, as the Awami League was not currently active. His remarks were made in front of local BNP leaders and quickly spread on social media.

The statement caused a stir in local politics, with many reacting online. Some described Robi’s comments as a reflection of current political realities, while others criticized them as opportunistic. The event was attended by several BNP figures, including central JCD leaders and local organizers. Boalmari BNP’s assistant agriculture affairs secretary Abdur Rahman said Robi, a three-time union council chairman candidate, should not have spoken that way publicly and that the BNP was embarrassed by his remarks.

The viral video has intensified political discussions in Faridpur ahead of the election, highlighting shifting local allegiances.