Staff Reporter:
Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the AB Party, was allegedly harassed by local BNP activists in his home constituency of Babuganj, Barishal, on Sunday. Fuad has blamed members of the BNP for the incident, while BNP leaders have strongly refuted his claims.
The confrontation occurred during the foundation-stone laying ceremony of the under-construction Mirganj Bridge over the Arial Khan River. Two advisers of the interim government-Fawzul Kabir Khan and Brigadier General (Retd.) Sakhawat Hossain-were also present at the event. The bridge, currently being built at an estimated cost of Tk 1,500 crore, has been a long-awaited infrastructure project for the region.
According to witnesses, tension had been brewing between Fuad and local BNP supporters due to ongoing disputes. During the event, Fuad spoke to the media, claiming he had played a key role in securing approval for the major bridge project.
He further warned that if extortion or tender manipulation occurred during construction, the project might be halted. Although he did not mention any political group by name, his remarks immediately angered BNP leaders and activists present at the scene.
Moments later, the situation escalated. Fuad and his entourage were pushed out of the venue amid loud slogans from BNP supporters.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Barrister Fuad said, “I did not point to any person or political group. Why would BNP activists attack me? I only spoke against extortion and tender manipulation.”
However, local BNP student-wing leaders rejected his allegations. Atik Al Amin, convener of the Babuganj unit of the Chhatra Dal, said Fuad had indirectly defamed the BNP through “false statements.”
“He has no contribution to this bridge project, yet he keeps repeating the same claim,” Atik said. “The initial proposal was pushed forward by former BNP MP Moazzem Hossain Alal. By spreading misinformation, he has insulted the people of Babuganj. Unless he apologizes, we will declare him unwelcome in this area.”
Local authorities have yet to comment on the incident, and no case has been filed as of Sunday evening.
