Over a hundred BNP leaders, activists resign in Ishwardi
Pabna Correspondent :
More than a hundred leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Ishwardi have announced their voluntary resignation from the party, citing anger and “disappointment” over decisions made by the party high command.
The announcement was made at a press conference held on Thursday (5 February) in the afternoon at Surya Pramanik’s premises in the West Tengri area of the town.
The resigning leaders and activists are known to be supporters of Zakaria Pintu, an independent candidate contesting from the Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atgharia) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The press conference was organized under the banner of the municipal and upazila units of BNP’s affiliated and associate organizations. A written statement was read out by Russel Parvez, President of the Sahapur Union unit of the Ishwardi Upazila Jubo Dal.
In his statement, he said, “In the past, we actively participated in movements and struggles on the streets under the leadership of Zakaria Pintu. However, ignoring the aspirations of grassroots leaders and activists, the party denied nomination to a genuine and dedicated leader and instead nominated Habibur Rahman Habib.”
He further alleged, “Habibur Rahman Habib, who came from the Awami League, is now colluding with fascist forces and subjecting us to oppression, intimidation, and harassment.”
The statement also said, “For the party we stood on the streets and fought relentlessly, yet today we are receiving inhumane treatment from that very party. Deeply hurt by this, we have decided to resign from the party out of disappointment with Tarique Rahman.”
However, he added, “Our trust in BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman-the successor of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia-remains intact. If necessary, we will actively participate in all party programs again in the future.”
It is worth noting that BNP has nominated Habibur Rahman Habib, former adviser to the party chairperson and convener of Pabna District BNP, as its candidate for the Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atgharia) constituency.
Zakaria Pintu was expelled from the BNP for contesting the election as an independent candidate in defiance of party decisions. He previously served as joint general secretary of Pabna District BNP and general secretary of Ishwardi Municipal BNP.
Meanwhile, six leaders of the local Upazila Jubo Dal were expelled from the party earlier this week for allegedly supporting independent candidate Zakaria Pintu instead of contesting under the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.