Local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have expressed strong optimism that BNP candidate Altaf Hossain Chowdhury will secure a landslide victory in the upcoming national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 from the Patuakhali-1 constituency. According to party leaders, Chowdhury remains widely popular among voters and is regarded as an honest, competent, and development-oriented political figure.
Monir Khondkar, a local BNP leader, said that Altaf Hossain Chowdhury’s popularity remains deeply rooted among the people of the constituency. “The general public does not know his rival candidate well, whereas Altaf Chowdhury is a familiar and respected figure. During his tenure as Minister of Home Affairs and Commerce, he carried out extensive development projects, particularly in Mirzaganj upazila. People still remember and appreciate those contributions,” he said.
A local voter echoed similar sentiments, stating that Chowdhury played a vital role in improving road connectivity, educational institutions, and overall infrastructure during his ministerial tenure. “He is known as a man of integrity and strong character. He never compromised with injustice, and that is his greatest strength,” the voter added.
A Distinguished Military Career
Altaf Hossain Chowdhury is a former Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force and a highly respected military officer. He began his career as a fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force and qualified as a lead pilot on the Dassault Mirage III aircraft. In 1971, he served as a Flight Lieutenant in the Pakistan Air Force.
Following his release from detention after the Liberation War, he joined the Bangladesh Air Force in 1972 as a Squadron Leader. From 1974 to 1977, he served as an instructor at the Pilot Training School. In recognition of his professional excellence and leadership skills, he was appointed Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, a position he held from 1991 to 1995.
Entry into Politics
After retiring from military service in 1994, Chowdhury entered active politics by joining the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He quickly rose through the party ranks and emerged as a prominent leader.
In the 2001 general election, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Patuakhali-1. During the same period, he served as Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Commerce in the BNP-led coalition government from 2001 to 2006. His supporters claim that during his tenure, he contributed significantly to maintaining law and order, expanding trade, and implementing development initiatives across the country.
In 2008, Chowdhury served as President of the Patuakhali District BNP. However, he was defeated by Awami League candidate Shahjahan Mia in the general elections held in 2008 and 2018. Since 2016, he has been serving as a Vice Chairman of the BNP.
Legal Challenges and Allegations
BNP leaders claim that over the past fifteen years, during the tenure of the Awami League-led government, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has been subjected to political harassment. According to party sources, he faced multiple cases and was imprisoned several times during this period.
BNP leaders allege that the cases were politically motivated and aimed at suppressing opposition voices. Despite repeated arrests, imprisonment, and political pressure, Chowdhury did not deviate from his political ideals, they say.
Local party leaders maintain that the prolonged legal and political challenges only strengthened his resolve. “He never bowed to injustice and remained committed to democratic principles and the people’s cause,” said a senior BNP leader.
Personal Life
Altaf Hossain Chowdhury is married to Suraia Chowdhury. He had one son and one daughter; his son tragically passed away in an accident. Among his two brothers, Babul Chowdhury and Shahin Chowdhury, Babul Chowdhury passed away several years ago.
Electoral Outlook
BNP leaders and activists believe that Chowdhury’s long political experience, disciplined military background, and legacy of development work will play a decisive role in the upcoming election. Given his continued acceptance among voters, they remain hopeful that he will emerge victorious with a substantial margin in the February 12 polls.