A local Awami League leader in Patiya, Chattogram, has drawn controversy after appearing to campaign for a BNP candidate ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. On Monday, Shafiul Alam Badsha, the finance secretary of the Dhalghat Union Awami League and a businessman, was seen alongside BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol candidate Enamul Haque Enam during electioneering. The incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.

Badsha, known locally as a close associate of former Awami League MP Shamsul Haque Chowdhury, had previously contested union council elections under the Awami League government. His participation in BNP’s campaign without formally joining the party has fueled debate online. Several BNP leaders also criticized the development, warning that opportunistic newcomers could disrupt internal party discipline and marginalize long-time activists.

When contacted, Shafiul Alam Badsha told the newspaper that he is a businessman who must maintain relations with everyone. He ended the call when asked about the social media backlash.