Tangail residents rejoice as Tuku receives BNP nomination

The people of Tangail-5 are overjoyed as Sultan Salahuddin Tuku—BNP’s Central Publicity Secretary and a veteran victim of political persecution, imprisonment, and torture—has finally been nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

On Thursday, December 4, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced Tuku’s nomination in Tangail-5 at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.

The news sparked widespread celebration across the entire Tangail district, with residents expressing deep gratitude to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. They also prayed for the recovery and good health of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

People from all walks of life had been anxious due to the delay in Tuku’s nomination. With Tuku now confirmed, BNP supporters believe winning all eight constituencies in Tangail will be much easier.

Under Tuku’s leadership, the previously fractured political landscape of Tangail BNP has come under control. To the masses, Tuku is not just a popular leader—he is considered a member of every family in Tangail, someone around whom they have built dreams for a better future.

People believe that if he becomes an MP, he will soon become a minister, ushering in rapid development, employment, and prosperity. Tangail city, they say, will become a model of progress.

However, a handful of BNP leaders are reportedly displeased with Tuku’s nomination, fearing that their era of extortion, tender manipulation, and power trading is coming to an end. Some of them, in collaboration with Jamaat, are allegedly engaged in conspiracies against Tuku. Local BNP activists have urged Tarique Rahman to take firm action against these disruptive elements.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku is a symbol of pride for BNP activists across Bangladesh. A true comrade in difficult times, Tuku has been a fearless warrior on the streets, a steadfast defender of democracy, and a trusted soldier of the party. His nomination is expected to reshape Tangail into a modern, developed district. BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has strengthened Tangail politics by selecting him, acknowledging the sacrifices of the Tuku family—a gesture that resonates deeply with the people.

Who is Tuku?

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has shed blood on campuses and streets during the toughest periods of the party’s struggle. He has faced imprisonment, persecution, and countless threats to his life. Many of the young activists who used to ride in his car and accompany him in political movements have now become BNP nominees themselves—a testament to the value of Tuku’s guidance, sacrifice, and leadership.

Tuku has been the victim of 350 politically motivated false cases and arrested 12 times, spending a total of nearly 5 years behind bars. Several attempts were made to kill him both inside and outside prison. His family endured unbearable suffering for more than 15 years, yet he never abandoned the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman or the directives of Begum Khaleda Zia. Despite relentless oppression, he continued to organize BNP at the grassroots level and kept the activists motivated.

He often said that he would leave home early in the morning to attend court hearings in various districts and return home late at night—a daily routine during the oppressive years of the Awami regime. The announcement of his nomination has energized his supporters throughout Tangail-5, especially the long-neglected communities.

Since the political upheaval following January 11, 2007, BNP has faced tremendous adversity. Now, for the first time in years, the party has regained its position in the “driving seat” of politics. If BNP can preserve internal unity, victory is inevitable—and those who proved themselves during the hardest times deserve to be honored above all.

Brutal oppression under the Awami regime

For over 15 years, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku was targeted ruthlessly:

> 350 false cases

> 12 imprisonments

> 5 years behind bars

> Multiple assassination attempts

His wife, Saima Parveen Simmi, ran from office to office seeking justice but received none. Their children suffered sleepless nights as the family endured relentless harassment.

Tuku’s elder brother, former MP Advocate Abdus Salam Pintu, was falsely implicated in the August 21 grenade attack case and spent 17 years in prison. Two more brothers were forced into exile. The family was systematically persecuted to eliminate BNP influence in Tangail.

Tuku continued to stand tall—bleeding on the streets, beaten blindfolded, dragged through the roads by police, and repeatedly targeted by a fascist regime. His name often dominated media headlines as one of BNP’s most persecuted leaders.

Tuku’s popularity and development initiatives

Even without being an MP, Tuku has already undertaken numerous development efforts in Tangail-5, particularly in neglected char areas. Many projects worth crores of taka have already begun due to his lobbying and initiative. His humble nature and approachability have earned him widespread acceptance among residents.

A major LGED proposal for a one-kilometer bridge over the Daleshwari River—connecting Mahmudnagar’s Bohuli and Makorkol—has moved forward due to his efforts.

Awami League’s 15-year reign of terror in Tangail

Over the past decade and a half:

> 281 cases were filed against BNP and Jamaat activists

> Over 9,000 people were named as accused

> Half a dozen activists were murdered

> Hundreds were crippled

> Businesses and properties were seized

> Many were forced into exile

During the July uprising, nine students and civilians were shot dead by police in Tangail, with over 270 others injured—mostly school and college students.

Despite this chaos, Tuku reorganized BNP, defeated internal saboteurs, and restored discipline.

Tuku’s promise to the people

Tuku says, “The fascist Awami League targeted my family to destroy BNP. But we did not bow down. We embraced death and carried the nationalist flag. If Allah wills and the party gives me the opportunity to serve as MP, I will transform Tangail.”

A leader loved by the people

Today, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku is ahead in popularity in Tangail-5. His dedication, strategy, patience, and organizational ability have won hearts. He has restored unity among activists and influenced large-scale development initiatives across the constituency.

BNP’s grassroots activists believe that there is no alternative to Tuku in Tangail politics.