In a rare and significant electoral development, the Chief Returning Officer of Bagerhat has officially validated the nomination papers of MAH Selim for three separate parliamentary constituencies. The former Member of Parliament and erstwhile President of the Bagerhat District BNP is set to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections as an independent candidate in Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2, and Bagerhat-3. This certification makes him the only candidate in the country currently cleared to run for three seats simultaneously in the 2026 polls.
The validation was confirmed on Saturday, 3 January 2026, at the Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner’s office following a rigorous scrutiny process. Supporters and activists gathered in large numbers to celebrate the decision, which allows Selim to vie for seats covering a vast geographical area, including the upazilas of Chitalmari, Mollahat, Fakirhat, Kachua, Mongla, Rampal, and Bagerhat Sadar.
Candidate Profile: MAH Selim’s Electoral Reach
| Constituency | Primary Administrative Areas | Nomination Status |
| Bagerhat-1 | Chitalmari, Mollahat, Fakirhat | Validated |
| Bagerhat-2 | Bagerhat Sadar, Kachua | Validated |
| Bagerhat-3 | Mongla, Rampal | Validated |
| Political Stance | Independent (Ziaur Rahman Ideology) | Active |
| Business Interest | Chairman, Silver Line Group | N/A |
A veteran politician and the proprietor of the Silver Line Group, MAH Selim—often referred to as “Silver Selim” in political circles—is perhaps best remembered for his landmark 2001 victory. In that election, he unseated the heavyweight Awami League candidate Sheikh Helal Uddin to represent Bagerhat-2. Speaking to the press following the validation of his papers, Selim expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to the region. “I view politics solely as a medium for public service,” he stated. “My focus remains on industrialisation, creating modern employment opportunities for our youth, and upgrading the healthcare and education sectors.”
While Selim is contesting as an independent, he was careful to emphasise his continued ideological alignment with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He described himself as a dedicated follower of the ideals of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and a recipient of the blessings of Begum Khaleda Zia. Addressing his recent period of political hiatus, he noted, “I may have been physically distant from the party’s central leadership for a time, but I have never been distant from the hearts of the people of Bagerhat.”
His decision to contest three seats is seen by analysts as a strategic move to reassert his presence in the coastal district’s shifting political landscape. Selim believes his past record of infrastructure development and his close ties to the grassroots will resonate with voters across the district. As the election season intensifies, his unique triple-candidacy serves as a litmus test for the enduring influence of established local leaders in the current political climate.