Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Kader Siddiqui has said that his and his party’s position in the upcoming election in the Tangail-8 constituency is not against the BNP as a party, but specifically against BNP-nominated candidate Ahmed Azam Khan.

He made the remarks on Sunday evening at his residence “Sonar Bangla” on Kazi Nazrul Avenue in Tangail town while speaking to the media.

Although the Krishak Sramik Janata League is not contesting the national parliamentary election this time, Kader Siddiqui has taken a clear stance in his own constituency, Tangail-8 (Sakhipur–Basail), by opposing the BNP candidate. Instead, he has extended support to independent candidate Salauddin Alamgir. He has also expressed support for another independent candidate—his elder brother and former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui—in the Tangail-4 (Kalihati) constituency.

Explaining why his party is staying out of the election, Kader Siddiqui said that a large number of voters are being deprived of their right to vote. He acknowledged that the Awami League is a major political force that led the country’s independence, and while individual leaders may commit wrongdoing and deserve punishment, excluding an entire political party from electoral and political participation is undemocratic and violates citizens’ rights. For this reason, his party chose not to take part in the polls.

Despite not contesting, Kader Siddiqui said it was natural for his party to be involved in its birthplace, Sakhipur–Basail. Using a metaphor, he said that when a game takes place in one’s own ground, at least watching it becomes inevitable—hence their involvement.

Clarifying his opposition to Ahmed Azam Khan, he said the contest cannot be described as a direct fight against the BNP, but rather against Azam Khan personally. He alleged that Azam Khan is not a political figure, has failed to keep promises, and has falsely claimed to be a freedom fighter. Kader Siddiqui further claimed that Azam Khan has previously sent people to jail and later tried to bring them over to his side, and that even before the formation of a government, incidents of intimidation and violence have already occurred.

He cited an incident involving veteran freedom fighter Sheikh Habib, who was reportedly assaulted in Azam Khan’s presence. Kader Siddiqui warned that if such actions take place now, conditions would worsen significantly if Azam Khan were elected. He said that, responding to public appeals, he decided to support independent candidate Salauddin Alamgir in the interest of local residents.

Reacting to Kader Siddiqui’s stance, Sakhipur Upazila BNP Acting President Md. Nazim Uddin said that it would have no impact on the BNP candidate’s prospects and that the party is not concerned.

Regarding his support for his elder brother Abdul Latif Siddiqui in Tangail-4, Kader Siddiqui said people were unable to vote freely in the past three elections and that the upcoming election could be even worse. He added that he personally encouraged Latif Siddiqui—his longtime political mentor—to contest the election following public requests, which led to the submission of nomination papers.

When asked whether he would actively campaign for his brother, Kader Siddiqui said that whenever he goes somewhere, he goes wholeheartedly—with body, mind, and soul. If campaigning becomes necessary, he will do so openly, emphasizing that his support is not hidden or symbolic.