BNP leader accuses party MP of corruption, threatens to remove party signboard

A BNP leader in Naogaon has accused a fellow party member and lawmaker of corruption and abuse of power, threatening to remove a separate office signboard bearing the party's name in Mahadebpur upazila.

The allegations were made by Robiul Alam Bullet, president of Mahadebpur upazila BNP, against Fazle Huda Babul, BNP lawmaker for Naogaon-3 (Mahadebpur-Badalgachhi).

A video of Bullet making the allegations has gone viral on social media, triggering discussion and criticism in local political circles.

Bullet claimed that the MP had misappropriated money through bank drafts and from a government food warehouse over the past eight to nine months. He said he would present what he described as specific evidence, including bank draft numbers, to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In the video, Bullet alleged that a separate office had been established in Mahadebpur using the BNP's name and signboard. He announced that the signboard would be pulled down after the party's November 7 programme.

Referring to instructions from Tarique Rahman, Bullet said party leaders had been asked to remain organised and follow a disciplined political approach to earn public confidence. He added that he had refrained from speaking out earlier while considering the local government elections.

Responding to allegations that money had been collected from different unions through letters, Bullet said the public would be presented with evidence showing which unions had been asked for money by the BNP and from whom the MP had allegedly sought funds.

He further claimed that he would disclose details of the MP's alleged financial transactions over the past eight to nine months, including the banks through which the drafts were issued and deposited.

Bullet also challenged the lawmaker to refute the allegations, saying he would quit politics if he failed to establish his claims regarding alleged corruption involving bank drafts in Mahadebpur.

Drawing a comparison with the fall of the previous Awami League government, Bullet said public support was more powerful than state authority, regardless of the police, military or administrative backing available to a politician.

He also alleged that during the MP's tenure, one of his representatives had sought forgiveness by holding the Upazila Nirbahi Officer's feet after being detained. He criticised the lawmaker for allegedly making strong statements after the incident.

Questioning the MP's remarks in a television talk show about alleged payments involving the deputy commissioner, Bullet asked why no action had been taken if such allegations were true.

Comparing the current lawmaker's tenure with that of former MP Selim, Bullet alleged that corruption during the past eight to nine months had exceeded what had taken place over the previous five years. He specifically claimed that more than Tk 3 crore had been taken from a government food warehouse and alleged that bills had been collected for work that had not been carried out.

When contacted about the viral video, Mahadebpur upazila BNP President Robiul Alam Bullet said he would speak about the matter at an appropriate time.

Asked about the allegations, Naogaon-3 MP Fazle Huda Babul rejected any wrongdoing and challenged Bullet to present evidence.

"I have no problem because I have committed no wrongdoing. If he has any evidence, ask him to present it," he said.

He added that political figures often faced allegations and that he had no objection to an independent investigation or reporting on the matter.

Repeated attempts to contact Naogaon district BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddique Nannu by phone went unanswered.

sks