MP Zilani warns AL leaders against ‘provocation’

GOPALGANJ, Sept 6:  SM Zilani, MP from Gopalganj-3 (Tungipara-Kotalipara) and President of the Jubo Swechchhasebak Dal, has alleged that Awami League (AL) leaders laundered money earned through corruption out of the country and are now inciting their leaders and activists in Bangladesh while enjoying air-conditioned rooms abroad.

“If you have the courage and political strength, come to the streets. We will confront you politically, not in any other way,” he said.

He made the remarks at a mass rally held at the municipal market in Patgati Bazar of Tungipara Upazila on Saturday, following a procession organised to mark the 48th founding anniversary of the BNP.

He said the BNP and its affiliated organisations had “created history” by holding such a large political procession in Tungipara.

“But I would respectfully tell those issuing threats on Facebook from home and abroad that the BNP does not believe in the politics of revenge,” he said.

“However, if the BNP faces any provocation or unwarranted interference, we will confront it on the streets with the people of Tungipara and Kotalipara,” he added.

Zilani said Tungipara was also his birthplace and that everyone involved in BNP politics in the area had roots in the region.

“So, conduct politics and speak with decency. For the past 17 years, we have crossed the Padma River to come here, so there is no point in trying to frighten us with the Madhumati River,” he said.

He added that they had fought against what he called “fascism” for 17 years to establish voting rights for the people of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed, President of Tungipara Upazila BNP, Vice-President Jillal Sheikh, Organising Secretary Khalid Biswas, Municipal BNP President Emdad Molla, General Secretary Jihadul Islam Babu, Organising Secretary Gopal Sarker, Jubo Dal Member Secretary Aminul Islam, BNP leader Akbar Hossain, Borni Union BNP President Engr Jahangir Kabir and Kushli Union BNP President Kadar Sheikh, among others, attended the rally.

Earlier, BNP and its affiliated organisations brought out a colourful procession around 10:30am to mark the party's 48th founding anniversary.

The procession started from Patgati bus stand, passed through Gowhardanga Chowrangi and Patgati Bazar, and ended at the municipal market, where the mass rally was held.