AMTALI, Barguna: Although the schedule for the upcoming Union Parishad elections has yet to be announced, Md. Mokbul Hossain Khan has already stepped up his public outreach as a potential chairman candidate for Haldia Union Parishad under Amtali Upazila of Barguna district. His name frequently comes up in discussions at local markets, tea stalls and courtyard meetings, according to his supporters.
For many residents of Haldia, Khan is emerging as a figure of trust and confidence, with his supporters highlighting his commitment to social welfare, political activism and community development.
Mokbul Hossain Khan was born on January 1, 1957, into the respected Khan family of Dakshin Taktabunia village. He is the son of the late Amzad Ali Khan.
He completed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Amtali A.K. Pilot High School in 1972, Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) from Amtali College in 1981, and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Dhaka in 1989. A businessman and social worker, he is also the father of two sons.
Khan has been involved in Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) politics for decades. He served as a member of Amtali Upazila BNP from 2001 to 2009, followed by the position of senior joint convener from 2009 to 2015. Since 2015, he has reportedly been serving as a joint convener of the upazila unit.
His supporters say he played an active role in maintaining party unity and supporting grassroots activists during politically challenging periods, including 2009, 2014 and 2018, as well as during the July–August 2024 mass uprising.
They also claim that he remained active in political programmes despite police pressure and stood by party workers during difficult times.
Khan first contested a local government election in 2011, securing 5,121 votes and finishing second, according to information provided by his supporters.
In 2016, he contested the Union Parishad election with the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol. His supporters allege that electoral irregularities prevented him from securing victory. In 2021, he withdrew from the Union Parishad election following a party decision.
Supporters believe these electoral experiences have helped him build a substantial voter base across Haldia Union, although the extent of his current support remains to be determined.
One of the initiatives frequently cited by local residents is the construction of a wooden bridge, locally known as a pol, connecting Haldia and Chawra. According to residents who support Khan, the initiative followed a tragic incident in which nine people died after a connecting bridge collapsed.
They say a wooden crossing was subsequently constructed at a cost of approximately Tk 1 million through Khan’s initiative. Residents claim that around 200,000 people now use the crossing. These figures and the project’s details would require independent verification.
Beyond infrastructure, Khan is also known among his supporters for providing financial assistance to disadvantaged people, patients and families facing emergencies.
“Whenever people call him in times of distress, they find Mokbul Bhai by their side,” is a sentiment often expressed by his supporters, reflecting the image of accessibility and personal commitment they associate with him.
Khan’s family also has a longstanding presence in local BNP politics. His younger brother, Jalal Ahmed Khan, serves as member-secretary of the municipal BNP unit. His elder son, Enamul Haque Bacchu, holds an MA degree and is a businessman, while his younger son, Imran Khan, serves as member-secretary of the Amtali Upazila Chhatra Dal.
According to family sources, members of the family faced 13 cases they describe as politically motivated and spent four years in prison during the previous government’s tenure. They maintain that these experiences did not weaken their political commitment.
Local supporters and political observers describe Khan as religious, humble, honest and committed to humanitarian service. They argue that his approach to leadership could help promote justice, accelerate development and improve public services in Haldia Union.
His supporters also maintain that he does not tolerate extortion, eve-teasing or criminal activities, regardless of political affiliation. Such character assessments reflect the views of his supporters and have not been independently verified.
Speaking about his aspirations, Khan said he wanted to transform Haldia into a model, humane and smart union by upholding the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the legacy of former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda.
“I want to build Haldia into a model, humane and smart union. I wish to remain beside the people of Haldia and serve them until the last day of my life,” he said.
As discussions surrounding the next Union Parishad election gradually gain momentum, Khan’s supporters believe he could emerge as a prominent contender for the chairmanship. Whether that support translates into electoral success, however, will depend on the election process, the political landscape and the choices of Haldia’s voters.
