BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed publicly welcomed expelled BNP leader and former three-term Pekua Upazila chairman Shafayet Aziz Raju back onto the party stage during an election rally in Mognama Sonali Bazar. Salahuddin announced the withdrawal of Raju’s expulsion order, urging party members to unite and work for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Raju had been expelled earlier for defying the party’s decision to boycott the 2024 upazila elections under the Awami League government and contesting independently, which led to his election as chairman. Expressing loyalty, Raju said he always considered himself a follower of Salahuddin and remained dedicated to the BNP despite his expulsion. His reinstatement is seen as part of Salahuddin’s effort to consolidate local support ahead of the national polls.