|| Khaled Ahmed, Pabna: Former Office Secretary of Pabna Sadar Upazila BNP, Md. Ohidur Rahman (Wahid) Master, has expressed his interest in contesting the upcoming Bhandara Union Parishad chairman election, saying he will run only if he receives the party's endorsement. Speaking to journalists on Monday morning, Wahid said he would seek the BNP's support based on his long-standing political commitment and organizational work. "If the party is satisfied with my activities and nominates me, I am ready to contest the Union Parishad election. However, if the party selects someone more deserving, I will wholeheartedly work for that candidate as a loyal party worker," he said. Highlighting his political career, Wahid said he has been actively involved with the BNP since 1986, serving in various positions, including the student wing, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, former Office Secretary of Pabna Sadar Upazila BNP, and former Joint Office Secretary of the district BNP. He also claimed that during the tenure of the previous government, his livelihood was disrupted for a year because of his political affiliation with the BNP and that four cases against him are still pending. Referring to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Wahid said he had campaigned extensively across every village of Bhandara Union in support of Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and contributed to the candidate's victory. Calling for unity among BNP leaders and activists, he urged party members to set aside internal differences and work together for the party-backed candidate. "I want to work for my party, not for any individual or group," he said, expressing hope that the district BNP leadership and Pabna-5 lawmaker Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas would nominate a qualified candidate for the union. Meanwhile, Bhandara Union BNP Convener Abdul Khalek Member also announced his intention to contest the chairman election. He said he had served as the union BNP convener for many years and played a key role in strengthening the party organization at the grassroots level. "I have always stood beside party workers and faced arrests and legal cases at different times because of my political activities. I believe the party will support me, and I have the backing of grassroots leaders and activists," Abdul Khalek said. Responding to questions from journalists, Bhandara Union BNP Member Secretary Tofiz Uddin, former Social Welfare Secretary of the local BNP unit Saiful Islam, and Union Tanti Dal President Abdul Alim Biswas said the union had long lacked a strong BNP candidate. They urged the district BNP leadership and Pabna-5 MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas to nominate an honest, educated, competent and people-oriented candidate who remains close to the public and understands their problems. They also pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the victory of the party's nominee, recalling their efforts in securing Shimul Biswas's victory in the parliamentary election. Around 20 to 22 party leaders and activists present at the event voiced their support for the speakers, repeatedly chanting, "Right, right," in agreement.