The People of Chandanaish Will Accept No Symbol Other Than the Dhaner Shish” — M.A. Hashem Raju

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৫:২০ পিএম, ২০২৫-১০-২২

Interview by: Mohammad Kamal Uddin
Sada Kalo Multimedia News House
The Chandanaish–Satkania parliamentary constituency in the southern region of Chittagong holds a special place in Bangladesh’s political history. Over the decades, this constituency has frequently drawn national attention as a stronghold of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman. For more than forty years, the people of this area have shown unwavering loyalty to the BNP’s electoral emblem — the Dhaner Shish. In this exclusive conversation, M.A. Hashem Raju — former central vice president of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) and current Chairman of the International Human Rights Commission (Bangladesh Chapter) — reflects on the region’s political heritage, his personal journey, and his vision for the upcoming election.
Question:
There has been much discussion about the Chandanaish–Satkania constituency in recent times. As a long-time activist of this area, how do you see the current political landscape? 
M.A. Hashem Raju:
From the very beginning of President Ziaur Rahman’s political movement, Chandanaish–Satkania has been a fortress of the BNP. Here, the Dhaner Shish is not just a political symbol — it represents the people’s identity. For four decades, voters in this area have stood firm in their commitment to Zia’s ideals. Whoever contests the next election under the Dhaner Shish will surely win — that’s the tradition and spirit of this land.
Question:
You’ve said, “The people will not accept any symbol other than the Dhaner Shish.” Why are you so confident?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
This isn’t just confidence — it’s a reality. The people of Chandanaish are emotionally connected to the Dhaner Shish. To us, it’s a symbol born of the blood and sacrifice of President Ziaur Rahman. After independence, the dream of true democracy was realized through this symbol. It embodies our political identity and existence.
So if anyone tries to introduce a different symbol — whether it’s from the LDP or any other group — the people will reject it outright. They clearly know that they cannot support anyone who has deviated from Zia’s ideology.
Question:
You’ve been active in politics for over forty years. Do you hope to contest from this constituency yourself?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
My political journey has always been guided by ideals, not ambition. Yet I must say — after forty years on the streets, from student politics to national movements, I have earned the trust of the people. I sincerely hope our national leader, Tarique Rahman, will give me the opportunity to contest the election under the Dhaner Shish — to serve the people through the symbol of democracy. But even if someone else receives the nomination, I’ll stand by them wholeheartedly. To me, the dignity of the symbol is greater than any individual. I am a soldier of the symbol, not of personalities.
Question:
Do you believe the upcoming election will be favorable for the Dhaner Shish?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
Absolutely. I’ve traveled across Chandanaish and witnessed people’s yearning for change. They want a fair, participatory election. If that happens, the Dhaner Shish will surely triumph. People still believe that only the BNP can restore democracy in this country. However, I must emphasize — the people of Chandanaish do not want confusion or division. Anyone contesting under a different symbol would be insulting the collective will of the people.
Question:
You mentioned the LDP. Some believe their candidates might enter the race in this constituency. What’s your view on that?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
Let me be very clear — the people of Chandanaish will not accept the LDP. That party has no foundation here. This is a land of Zia’s ideals, not of compromise or opportunism.
I’ll say it again: no symbol other than the Dhaner Shish will be acceptable in this constituency. Those who think they can confuse voters with alternative symbols are mistaken. The people here are politically conscious — they remember who stood by them during the darkest hours, and who truly fought for democracy.
Question:
Outside of politics, you currently serve as Chairman of the International Human Rights Commission (Bangladesh Chapter). How do you see the relationship between human rights and politics?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
Human rights and politics should both exist for the welfare of the people. Sadly, human rights violations in today’s Bangladesh have reached alarming levels. People are afraid even to speak freely. I want that fear to disappear. To me, politics is not about propaganda or power — it’s about responsibility. The same sense of duty that drew me into politics now drives me in my human rights work. Both come from the same moral commitment — serving humanity.
Question:
After such a long political career, what’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
The greatest lesson is that there is no substitute for ideals. Positions, privileges, power — all are temporary. Ideals endure.
President Zia taught us, “To love your country, you must first love your people.” I believe in that philosophy with all my heart. From local politics in Chandanaish to national struggles, I’ve seen one truth remain constant — a leader who stands with the people never loses relevance.
Question:
Finally, what would you like to say to the people of Chandanaish?
M.A. Hashem Raju:
The people of Chandanaish are my strength and my inspiration. I believe they will once again vote for the Dhaner Shish and uphold the ideals of President Ziaur Rahman.
I want to remind everyone — beyond individuals, beyond parties, and beyond symbols — our greatest goal is to restore democracy. I will remain a soldier of that cause until my last breath.
Closing Note:
As the Chandanaish–Satkania constituency heats up ahead of the national elections, one message echoes unmistakably across the hills and rivers — the people’s loyalty lies with the Dhaner Shish. The words of M.A. Hashem Raju, a veteran political activist, carry the tone of both faith and defiance — a reminder that in Chandanaish, the legacy of Ziaur Rahman still beats at the heart of its people.