Expelled BNP leaders trying to tarnish party image

There are allegations that a section of leaders and activists expelled from the BNP for violating party discipline, defying organizational decisions, tarnishing the party’s image and engaging in various controversial activities have become more reckless even after losing their party identities. Some are allegedly involved in extortion,  while others are reportedly engaging in various misdeeds by using their former party identities and political influence. Many of them have also been arrested by law enforcement agencies at different times in connection with such incidents.

Party sources said the BNP has recently taken a tough stance on maintaining organizational discipline. Organizational action has been taken against leaders and activists at various levels over allegations of defying central decisions, organizing political programmes without authorization. Some have been expelled, some relieved of their posts, while entire committees have also been dissolved in some cases.

However, even after organizational action was taken, a section of those expelled have not stopped their activities. Some are reportedly continuing their activities at the local level with their followers, making statements on social media and attempting to exert influence by using their former party identities. Party leaders believe this is not only damaging the party’s image but also creating confusion among grassroots activists.

Expelled Leaders: In recent times, a series of serious allegations have surfaced against expelled BNP and affiliated organization leaders in the capital.

On October 1, expelled Jubo Dal leader Ferdous Ahmed Simon was accused of stopping businessman Sohan in front of a house in New Eskaton in the Banglamotor area. It is alleged that he demanded Tk 50,000 in extortion from the businessman. When Sohan refused to pay, Simon allegedly pulled out a pistol, pointed it at the businessman’s chest and attempted to shoot him. He also allegedly struck him on the head with the butt of the pistol.

At that time, local people became agitated and surrounded Simon and set fire to his motorcycle. Upon receiving the information, police and Special Response Battalion (SRB) members went to the spot and arrested Simon along with three of his associates. Earlier, after August 5, Simon had been expelled from the post of convener of Hatirjheel Thana Jubo Dal over allegations of involvement in acts of terrorism and extortion.

On October 28, police arrested expelled Jubo Dal leader BM Ibrahim alias Tala Ibrahim from Mohammadpur in a case filed over an alleged demand for Tk 50 lakh in extortion after entering a house while posing as members of the army and SRB.

According to the case statement, on the evening of December 5 last year, a group of 15 to 20 people led by Tala Ibrahim entered the residence of businessman Zahid Hasan on Road No. 7 of Nabingagar Housing in Mohammadpur. They allegedly identified themselves as members of the army and SRB. The case statement also mentioned that the men, who were in plain clothes, were carrying walkie-talkies. They allegedly held the residents hostage and assaulted them before demanding Tk 50 lakh in extortion.

Ibrahim was the joint convener of Ward No. 33 of Dhaka North Jubo Dal. He was expelled from Jubo Dal after August 5, 2024, over various allegations. At the same time, the Ward No. 33 Jubo Dal committee was also dissolved.

There are also allegations against former Jubo Dal joint convener Faruk Hossain Ripon of demanding extortion by using the identity of a top terrorist in the Mohammadpur area. It is alleged that he demanded Tk 20 lakh from Tarik Aziz, a businessman in the Basila area. The businessman’s establishment was also allegedly attacked several times over the matter.

Meanwhile, on October 4, SRB arrested Shahinur Alam Marfat, founding president of Khilkhet Thana BNP and a former councillor candidate, over allegations of extortion. He was later handed over to Khilkhet police station.

The following day, October 5, SRB arrested Mizanur Rahman Swapan, president of Ward No. 28 of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Thana BNP, on extortion charges.

According to police, Swapan faces multiple allegations of extortion in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and Mohammadpur areas. 

Attack on Radda centre: On October 24, BNP reserved women’s seat MP Ferdousi Ahmed Misti was instructed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to resign over allegations of involvement in an attack, vandalism and looting at Mirpur’s Radda MCH-FP Centre. Following the instruction, she submitted her resignation letter to the Speaker.

Following the incident, the committees of Dhaka North BNP, North Jubo Dal and the West unit of Chhatra Dal were dissolved. Eleven leaders and activists of the three organizations were expelled over the same incident. In addition, 19 people, were arrested.

Party sources claimed that the BNP’s organizational position on these incidents is clear-the party will not tolerate any kind of extortion, land grabbing, terrorism or anti-people activities using the party identity. 

Door closed to wrongdoers: Regarding the matter, BNP Acting Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told The Daily Observer, “Those who were involved in wrongdoing have already been relieved from the party. The door of the BNP is permanently closed to those who have still not reformed themselves. If they continue their reckless activities, law enforcement agencies will take legal action against them.”

BNP Standing Committee Member and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Nazrul Islam Khan told The Daily Observer, “When the BNP has repeatedly said that the government has taken a tough stance against extortion and land grabbing, those involved in such wrongdoing are not members of the BNP. Those who engage in anti-people activities by going against party decisions will face strict legal action.”

Political observers believe that organizational discipline and adherence to party decisions are extremely important for a major political party. If a leader remains active in the field even after being expelled by using his or her former party identity or political influence, it can create confusion at the grassroots level and damage the party’s image.

A section of BNP grassroots leaders and activists also believe that if anyone continues political or criminal activities using the party identity after being expelled, the central leadership needs to make its position even clearer. At the same time, there are demands for regularly informing party leaders, activists and the general public about the current organizational status of expelled individuals.