From Awami League Family to BNP Candidate: Rounakul Islam Srabon Nominated for Jashore-6
Despite having a family deeply involved in Awami League politics, Rounakul Islam Srabon, the former President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing), joined politics while studying at Dhaka University. His involvement with the BNP led to him being estranged from his family. That same Srabon will now contest for the ‘Sheaf of Rice’ (Dhaner Shish) symbol in the Jashore-6 (Keshabpur) constituency.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced Srabon’s name in the party’s preliminary list of candidates for 237 seats on Monday (November 3rd) afternoon.
Return to Keshabpur
Srabon made a highly publicized return to his hometown in Keshabpur Upazila, Jashore, on September 20th, after nearly a decade, and announced his intention to seek the BNP nomination for Jashore-6. He was greeted with immense affection by a large number of people that day.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Srabon stated that despite his family’s different political ideology, it would not affect the election. He expressed his desire to unite everyone and present the seat to Tarique Rahman by securing a victory for the ‘Sheaf of Rice’ symbol, despite any previous internal conflicts within the party.
He also pledged: “If I am elected, I want to bring about a permanent solution to the major problem of waterlogging in Keshabpur. I will work to win the hearts of the people of Keshabpur.”
The Reason for Family Estrangement
Srabon’s ancestral home is in Chingra village, Keshabpur Upazila, Jashore.
His family’s strong ties to the Awami League:
• Father (Kazi Rafiqul Islam): Upazila Awami League Vice President and Freedom Fighter. He was a former Keshabpur Upazila Chairman.
• Elder Brother (Mustafizul Islam): Was an Organizing Secretary of the Upazila Awami League. He was elected Chairman of Sagardari Union as a rebel candidate in the fifth phase of the Union Parishad elections and is now expelled from the party.
• Other Brothers (Mojahidul Islam & Azaharul Islam): Former Convener of the Upazila Juba League and former Convener of the Upazila Chhatra League, respectively.
Born into an Awami League family, Rounakul Islam Srabon became involved in BNP politics, leading to his estrangement from his family. He has not maintained contact with them, demonstrating his conviction in BNP politics by leaving his family behind.
The Homecoming
Upon returning to Keshabpur on September 20th after more than twelve years, Srabon was warmly received by activists who gathered at various points with flowers. He then joined a procession with nearly 1,500 motorcycles and over a hundred microbuses filled with activists. He distributed leaflets promoting the BNP’s 31-point program for state reform.
It is noted that although Srabon visited Keshabpur, he did not visit his own family home or communicate with any of his immediate family members.
