Kamrul Hasan: Standing firm against authoritarian rule, S.M. Jahangir’s constant companions have been prison and courtrooms. Caught in the web of fabricated cases, much of his life has been consumed by arrests, trials, and court appearances. Yet, he remained steadfast in the ideals of Ziaur Rahman. Currently, Jahangir, Joint Convener of Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP and candidate for Dhaka-18 constituency, faces 329 cases—ranking him third within the party in terms of legal persecution.

Memories of a Difficult Time.....

Recalling those days, his wife Razia Sultana said: “Almost every working day, Jahangir was taken from Kashimpur Central Jail to the Dhaka court. The constant transport in prison vans left many leaders, including him, sick and exhausted.”

She added that although he now has the chance to stay at home, Jahangir spends his days from morning until midnight in political work—visiting party workers and residents across Dhaka-18 to spread the 31-point reform program outlined by BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Early Political Journey......

Jahangir began his political career in 1988 as a student of Tejgaon College, joining the student wing of the BNP. He was elected General Secretary in 1990, and Vice President of the college student council in 1991. Over the years, he held various key positions in both the student and youth wings of the party. In 2018, BNP nominated him as its candidate for the Dhaka-18 constituency in the national elections and again in a subsequent by-election.

Years of Struggle.....

Born and raised in Dhaka, Jahangir was first arrested in 1996 during Sheikh Hasina’s first term in office, while participating in a student strike. Since then, his political path has been marked by repeated arrests, fabricated charges, fugitive years, and politically motivated convictions. During the military-backed caretaker government of 2007–2008, he was forced to live in hiding.

Between 2007 and 2018, Jahangir was repeatedly jailed. In 2023, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Today, more than 300 cases against him remain pending in court.

Support at the Grassroots......

Local BNP leaders in Dhaka-18 say Jahangir has always stood as a shield for the party during its most difficult times. After Sheikh Hasina’s fall on August 5, Jahangir was released from jail and immediately began visiting the families of those killed or injured in the movement, offering condolences and support.

Under his leadership, the distribution of leaflets outlining Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform program has generated fresh enthusiasm among ordinary citizens in the constituency.

Jahangir’s Words.....

“Most of the year was spent going from prison to the courtroom,” Jahangir told reporters. “The repeated transfers in prison vans made me ill, and often I thought I might not survive. But by the grace of Allah, I am still alive.”

He added: “For the sake of the country and democracy, countless BNP activists have made sacrifices—many gave their lives, others endured disappearance, bloodshed, and torture. Our two leaders, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have borne immense suffering as well. Compared to that, my hardships are nothing.”