As the campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election gains momentum, Abdul Awal Mintu, Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has delivered a poignant message against the weaponisation of faith. Addressing a crowd in the Yakubpur Union of Feni this Thursday, the BNP nominee for the Feni-3 (Sonagazi–Daganbhuiyan) seat condemned the “spiritual blackmail” allegedly being used by political rivals to influence the electorate.
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Reclaiming the Sanctity of Faith
Mintu’s remarks were prompted by reports that opposing activists have been visiting households, specifically targeting female voters with claims that supporting their candidate is a religious mandate.
“They are telling our mothers and sisters that a vote for their symbol is a guaranteed path to Paradise,” Mintu declared. “I must remind everyone: Heaven is at the sole discretion of Allah. It is not a commodity to be traded for votes. A political party cannot issue a passport to the afterlife; that power belongs to the Creator alone.”
Feni-3 Election Profile: Key Contestants & Strategies
| Candidate | Affiliation | Symbol | Primary Focus |
| Abdul Awal Mintu | BNP | Paddy Sheaf | Data Security, Education, Healthcare |
| Md. Fakhruddin | Jamaat-e-Islami | Scales | Grassroots & Market Outreach |
| Demographic Note | Female Voters | High Majority | Significant influence on outcome |
Safeguarding Personal Data from Conspiracy
In addition to his theological rebuttal, Mintu highlighted a burgeoning threat to voter security. He warned the public about a “sinister conspiracy” where unauthorised individuals are soliciting National Identity (NID) details and bKash account numbers under the guise of election-related services.
“Be vigilant,” Mintu cautioned. “There is a calculated effort to harvest your personal data. Do not disclose your private information to anyone. Your vote is your constitutional right, and your personal data is your security. We must not allow these conspirators to undermine our democratic process.”
A Relentless Campaign Trail
Mintu’s inaugural day of canvassing was marked by a heavy schedule of public appearances. He initiated the day with a visit to his ancestral home in Alaiyapur to pray at his parents’ graves, followed by an extensive tour of local markets including Etimkhana, Dudhmukha, and Middar Hat.
Addressing the high concentration of female voters in the region, Mintu urged the community’s elders to empower the women in their families to cast their ballots for the ‘Paddy Sheaf’. He promised that if elected, his priorities would centre on:
Educational Reform: Improving the quality of local schools and vocational training.
Public Health: Strengthening the rural healthcare network.
Cultural Empowerment: Promoting youth engagement through sports and the arts.
With rival candidate Md. Fakhruddin of Jamaat-e-Islami also launching a vigorous campaign in the Silonia and Darbeshhat areas, Feni-3 is set to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country. The mix of religious debate and digital security concerns indicates a sophisticated and high-stakes battle for the hearts and minds of the Feni electorate.