The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has expelled five of its local-level leaders in Dhaka, Kurigram, Cumilla, and Bhola during the past two days following serious allegations against them of criminal activities, violence, and unethical behaviour carried out using the party name.
The expulsions came amid mounting public criticism and growing controversy nationwide, as the incidents sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about discipline within the party ranks.
BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said at a press conference on Friday at the central party office at Naya Paltan in the capital that the party had taken action against several of its leaders on Thursday and Friday, in line with the BNP鈥檚 stated policy of zero tolerance of misconduct.
Rizvi said that Monir Hossain, convener of the Banani Thana unit of Jubo Dal, was expelled immediately after he and a group were seen in footage attacking women at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday night.
The incident was widely circulated on social media, prompting the party鈥檚 youth wing to act swiftly.
Sayeed Hossain Pakhi, joint convener of Chilmari upazila unit of the BNP in Kurigram, has been relieved of all posts, including his primary membership, for his involvement in violent activities during the formation of a committee, which included a torch procession, acts of vandalism and assault on fellow party members.
Another member of the committee, Abdul Matin, was also removed from all positions for his role in the same incidents, stressing that grievances should be addressed through proper organisational channels rather than through violence, Rizvi said.
The party also expelled Khokon Mia, general secretary of the Panthupi union BNP under Cumilla sadar upazila, for his involvement in armed and criminal activities.
The BNP leader was detained by the army early Friday morning in Cumilla鈥檚 Chanpur area with a pistol.
Rizvi further said that Ibrahim Howlader, general secretary of Chachra union BNP in Tazumuddin upazila under Bhola district, had been immediately expelled for assaulting a woman leader who was the president of local Mahila Dal.
He said that reports surfaced from Patgram, where individuals claiming BNP affiliation allegedly entered a police station and attempted to forcibly free detainees.
An investigation into the incident is under way and disciplinary actions are expected based on the findings, Rizvi said.
He said that the BNP would not shelter anyone involved in wrongdoing, regardless of their position or past contributions to the party.
Rizvi stated that acting BNP chair Tarique Rahman was closely monitoring party people鈥檚 activities across the country and was regularly updated on incidents involving the misuse of the party name.
Since August 5, 2024, Rizvi further sad, the BNP has taken disciplinary steps against four to five thousand leaders and activists of the party and its affiliated organisations.
These individuals were found to have been involved in criminal activities or had formed connections with criminal groups using the party identity as a shield.
