Puja Udjapan Front alleges interference, harassment

The Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front has alleged that a former government official interfered in its organisational activities and that its general secretary, Samir Kumar Basu, was physically harassed during a meeting involving leaders expelled from the BNP.

Speaking at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, the organisation said the incident took place on August 2 at the Officers’ Club in Dhaka. Basu was called to the meeting to discuss a dispute over the organisation, it said.

Around 40 to 50 people, including two leaders expelled from the BNP, were present at the meeting, according to the Front.

The organisation alleged that the meeting became heated and that around 20 to 25 people, led by expelled BNP leader Tarun Dey, moved towards Basu and physically harassed him. Two or three people later took him out of the room, it said. 

The Front also alleged that Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarker threatened Basu during the meeting, telling him that he would not be allowed to continue with the organisation or hold any political position.

It further claimed that a four-member committee was later formed under the same name, with expelled BNP leader Milton Baidya as its general secretary.

The Front said it was formed in November 2024 by leaders from the Sanatani community who had links with BNP-affiliated organisations. It claimed to have 62 district and metropolitan committees and more than 200,000 active members.

It also alleged that another organisation using the same name was later formed by leaders of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front, creating confusion over its identity and legitimacy.

The Front said it is an independent organisation and is not affiliated with the Welfare Front.