Winning as an independent was ‘not easy’, Rumeen Farhana says

Rumeen Farhana, elected with the Duck symbol in Brahmanbaria-2, has said it was not easy to win as an independent after being denied a BNP nomination.

Speaking at a press conference at her Shahbazpur home in Sarail on Friday, the barrister said the struggle had been even harder for her supporters.

 “Leaving the BNP and contesting as an independent was not easy. But our leaders and activists endured an even tougher time over the past 17 years, facing sacrifice, hardship and expulsion,” she said.

Rumeen secured 118,547 votes in the constituency, comprising Sarail, Ashuganj and two unions of Bijoynagar, defeating the BNP-led alliance candidate Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, who polled 80,434.

She alleged attempts at irregularities at several centres after midday on polling day and delays in announcing results.

Asked about returning to the BNP, Rumeen said she would consider it only if other expelled leaders and activists were also reinstated.

She said without a party ticket, her political future would depend on performance.

 “If I have to contest again, my work will be my only strength,” she said.

Rumeen, a former BNP executive committee member and ex-MP from a reserved women’s seat, was snubbed from party nomination and later expelled for running as an independent.