MP Masud draws flak over viral ‘power’ remarks
Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, member of parliament for Patuakhali-2 constituency, has drawn criticism after a video of his speech at an Eid reunion programme went viral on social media.
In the video, the Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker is heard saying that he had removed the officer-in-charge of a police station from his post within two hours and also had an army major transferred from the area within the same period.
“Some people say, ‘You became an MP through votes.’ I say, I did not become an MP only through votes; I became an MP through power as well. Don’t come to show me power. Five lakh people will show their power,” he said in the speech.
Masud, who is also secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka south city unit, made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an Eid reunion programme held in front of the Shurjamoni union parishad office in Bauphal upazila on Saturday afternoon.
The programme was chaired by Mojibur Rahman Bachchu, ameer of the union unit of Jamaat-e-Islami.
The MP’s comments sparked discussion and criticism after the video spread widely on Facebook.
At one point in the speech, Masud referred to himself and said, “There is no need to show the people of Bauphal what Shafiqul Islam Masud is. Go and ask Sheikh Hasina. Ask at Rajshahi University who Shafiqul Islam Masud is.”
He also warned his critics against making what he described as false and provocative remarks.
“Don’t heat up your head by talking nonsense. If your head gets heated up, you won’t be able to handle it,” he said.
Referring to development activities during the previous Awami League government, Masud said infrastructure alone cannot earn people’s trust if rights and freedom of expression are not ensured.
“Sheikh Hasina also carried out development works. She built roads, jetties and bridges.
But why did she still have to flee? If development alone could ensure survival, then Sheikh Hasina should have survived in Bangladesh,” he said.
He added that people’s trust cannot be gained only through infrastructure projects if citizens’ rights are not protected.
When contacted by phone on Monday afternoon, Masud said his remarks were made in response to what he described as false and indecent comments spread on social media about his late father, father-in-law and wife.
“It is extremely difficult for any sane person to accept such false and indecent remarks,” he said.
He said he had directed some of his comments at those responsible for spreading the remarks, adding that he had also said many positive things during the programme.
“Those good things should also be publicised,” he said.
