“Now You Have Everything, and I’ve Become an Outsider”

Barrister Rumin Farhana, a prominent Bangladeshi politician recently expelled from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has announced that she is contesting the upcoming parliamentary election as an independent candidate from the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, saying her decision is driven by public support rather than party backing.

Speaking at the inauguration of her election office on 10 January in Sarail, eastern Bangladesh, Farhana said she had found the courage to run despite political pressure because “ordinary people are standing with me.”

She linked her political motivation to Bangladesh’s history of popular movements, noting that the 1952 Language Movement—a key moment in the country’s struggle for linguistic and political rights—was led not by elites but by students and working-class citizens. She said her father was among those involved in the movement.

Farhana also referred to the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising that ended military rule, and the 2024 mass protests, arguing that major political change in Bangladesh has always come through the sacrifices of ordinary people rather than political leaders.

Referring to the 5 August 2024 protests, she said she was the only senior leader from her party seen on the streets alongside protesters, reinforcing her claim of independence from party hierarchies.

“That is why I say, ‘When you had no one, I was there. Now that you have everything, I’ve become an outsider,’” she said. “I do not need to belong to any party, group, or vested interest. I belong to the people of my land.”

Farhana alleged that her supporters have been threatened by individuals who recently gained political influence, warning that any harassment of her campaign workers would be resisted. She added that she had never feared even the strong administration of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

She welcomed assurances from the current interim government that the election would be conducted fairly, saying this would prevent ballot manipulation in favor of any particular candidate.

Following the event, prayers were held for the late former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Local political figures, party activists, and residents attended the gathering.

In the Brahmanbaria-2 seat, the BNP-led alliance has officially nominated Junayed Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, while Farhana is running independently. She was expelled from the BNP after announcing her candidacy.