Rumin Farhana now carrying out Hasina’s role: MP Papon

BRAHMANBARIA, Oct 2: BNP lawmaker Nadia Pathan Papon has alleged that Barrister Rumin Farhana is now carrying out the role of Sheikh Hasina by making critical remarks about the Zia family.

She made the remarks while speaking at a tree plantation programme at Bekinagar Village under Chandura Union of Bijoynagar Upazila on Thursday. The programme was organised as part of BNP’s announced campaign to plant 250 million trees over five years.

Addressing Rumin Farhana, Papon said Sheikh Hasina had made various critical remarks about the Zia family for a long time.

“After Sheikh Hasina left, it seems Rumin Farhana is now carrying out those activities,” she said.

Criticising Rumin Farhana’s remarks, Papon said, “When Rumin Farhana used to speak, BNP people would write those statements for her. She became known through BNP.”

Papon said the actions of a prime minister could be criticised, but making personally offensive remarks was unacceptable.

Regarding Rumin Farhana’s remarks about Sheikh Hasina’s possible return to Bangladesh, Papon said, “Any citizen can travel abroad and return to the country. There is a difference between a convicted person and an ordinary citizen. Let her come. We welcome her. Then we will see what we can do.”

Criticising Rumin Farhana’s remarks about moving beyond the politics of one’s father and grandfather, Papon said, “If you have your own qualifications, why do you have to repeatedly talk about your father?”

Papon also compared Rumin Farhana with former BNP lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, saying, “Even if you put 10 Rumin Farhanas together, they would not make one Nilufar Chowdhury Moni.”

At the programme, local residents raised various problems and grievances in Bekinagar Village. They alleged that although Rumin Farhana had given assurances on different issues at various times, many of those commitments had not been implemented.

Speakers called for initiatives to address the problems of disadvantaged people in the area and for steps to improve local infrastructure and services.

Former vice-president of Brahmanbaria district Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Nurul Haque Niaz moderated the programme, while Chandura Union BNP Vice-President Afzal Hossain Alamgir chaired it.

Brahmanbaria district Jubo Dal Joint Convener Arman Uddin, Bijoynagar Upazila BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, BNP member Sayed Khandaker, Chandura Union BNP General Secretary Ali Emran, BNP member and Chandura Union Parishad panel chairman Mosharraf Hossain, and leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations were present.