The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday expelled a thana unit leader from the party over allegations of misconduct including extortion.
The expulsion came a day after an audio clip of him seeking extortion from a contractor went viral on social media on Tuesday.
The expelled leader is Rabiul Alam, the former joint convener of Rajshahi city BNP鈥檚 Rajpara Thana unit.
A press release signed by BNP鈥檚 senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday stated that Rabiul Alam had been expelled from all positions of the party, including the primary membership, due to unethical activities such as extortion, violation of party discipline, and actions contrary to the party鈥檚 principles, ideals, and unity.
Earlier on Tuesday, an audio clip of Rabiul鈥檚 conversation with a contractor went viral on social media where he was heard demanding extortion from the contractor.
According to officials, Shahjahan Ali, a contractor, secured two lots worth around Tk 6 lakh of a government tender for tree sales in Rajshahi鈥檚 Roads and Highways Department through the divisional commissioner鈥檚 office.
Failing to manage the contract, Rabiul called Shahjahan and threatened him.
According to the summary of the conversation, Rubel pressured Shahjahan, who identified himself as a former vice-president of Manda upazila Chhatra Dal and former member of the union BNP, to withdraw his bid and never submitted any bid for any contract in Rajshahi.
As Shahjahan defended himself, saying he followed legal procedures, Rubel insisted on a meeting with all parties to 鈥榮ystematise鈥� the process.
