Media Coverage

In the history of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in Noakhali, Md. Shahjahan is an undisputed leader.

Having crossed seventy, and returned from the brink of death, he arrived in his home district with unwavering resolve despite the weight of age. He wishes to dedicate lifelong effort and affection to the leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Thus, he was showered with tearful love from hundreds of thousands as four-time elected former Member of Parliament from Noakhali-4 (Sadar–Subarnachar), Alhaj Md. Shahjahan, was warmly received. Party leaders, activists, and local residents have honored him with the title “noble son of refined politics.” Md. Shahjahan became actively involved in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 under the guidance of the party’s founding president, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He previously served as Joint Secretary General of the BNP, is currently a Senior Vice Chairman, and formerly coordinated grassroots party reorganization efforts. Until 2016, he served as President of the Noakhali District BNP. On Wednesday (June 25), after a long period of medical treatment, he returned to his birthplace and constituency in Noakhali and received a rare public reception filled with the love of ordinary people. The district town of Maijdee resonated with the overwhelming enthusiasm and slogans of countless supporters. Breathing a sigh of relief upon returning home, he accepted floral greetings in an emotionally charged atmosphere and was visibly moved. At a roadside gathering, he pledged to remain with the people of Sadar–Subarnachar for the rest of his life, never abandoning them, and to continue working for the welfare of the party and the public. It is known that Md. Shahjahan traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, for advanced medical treatment, where he successfully underwent heart valve replacement surgery. After completing follow-up care and recovering, he returned to his supporters and loved ones. From noon onward, leaders and activists from various areas of Sadar–Subarnachar gathered in Maijdee with banners and festoons to welcome and catch a glimpse of their beloved leader. Processions, rallies, music, and celebrations transformed the entire town into a festive atmosphere. Businesspeople and residents from nearby homes stood for hours, eagerly waiting to witness his healthy return. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament from Noakhali-4 (Subarnachar–Noakhali Sadar) in the 1991 national parliamentary elections. He was subsequently elected from the same constituency to the 6th, 7th, and 8th National Parliaments. In the 2008 and 2018 elections, he was defeated in the same constituency by Mohammad Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, described by his supporters as aligned with the then-ruling Hasina government. In the afternoon, thousands of BNP leaders and activists from affiliated organizations greeted him with flowers at Chowmuhani intersection. Despite stormy weather in Maijdee, supporters waited until night to hear his speech. Advocate Abdur Rahman, former General Secretary of the District BNP and a member of the current convening committee, stated that Shahjahan is not only a leader of Sadar–Subarnachar but also a central figure of the BNP organization across greater Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Feni districts. He described him as a trusted figure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, noting that people gather around him whenever he walks through Maijdee. He portrayed him as a humble and caring leader who avoids media theatrics and remains attentive to party workers and ordinary people alike, even after suffering from COVID-19 multiple times. Omar Faruk Topy, former municipal Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal president and current member of the district BNP convening committee, said that Shahjahan is not just a political leader but the guardian of the BNP in Noakhali. His return, he said, has renewed enthusiasm among activists. He described him as a devoted follower of Zia’s ideals and a trusted ally of the Zia family during difficult times. Despite a long and eventful political career, his supporters claim that conspirators have failed to harm him and never will. They believe he continues to move forward with firm steps toward his political goals. According to them, although authoritarian forces once attempted to suppress nationalism in Noakhali, under his leadership that banner will shine even brighter in the future. In the political history of Noakhali district, Md. Shahjahan remains an unforgettable name. Over his long career, he has not been criticized for controversial remarks. He avoids self-promotion and media spectacle, preferring dignified and courteous political conduct. Though he rose step by step to establish himself nationally after leading the district party for years, he did so without arrogance or opportunism, consistently choosing modesty and refined political practice over personal glorification.