Home
+
Published : 04 Jul 2025, 02:18 AM
The BNP leaders in Faridpur have entered the town residence of former MP AK Azad, alleging a secret Awami League (AL) meeting was taking place inside.
After finding no one, they left the premises and later led a street procession, “threatening to set the house on fire if any such activity is repeated”.
The incident occurred around 3:45pm on Thursday, when Golam Mostafa Miraj, member secretary of Faridpur Metropolitan BNP, arrived at Azad’s Jhilttuli residence with three to four party activists.
Security guard Mehedi Hasan opened the gate. Inside, they questioned staff about the alleged meeting.
Upon hearing that no such gathering was under way, they exited.
Md Rafizul Khan, land officer of Ha-Meem Group, which is owned by Azad, said one of the departing BNP leaders issued a threat: “If this kind of Awami League gathering happens again, the house will be set on fire.”
Azad was not present at the time. Those inside included project engineer Md Sulaiman Hossain, cleaner Hannan Miah, and the security guard.
Witnesses said after leaving the residence, BNP activists gathered near the adjacent land office, where nearly 100 people joined them.
They then launched a procession, shouting: “Beware, Awami League collaborators” and “Beware, ‘fascist’ agents”.
The march continued through Onather Achar intersection, passed the southern road beside Azad’s house, and headed west.
The procession ended below the BNP district office in Kathpotti, where a brief rally was held.
At the rally, the BNP leaders alleged that Azad is backing efforts to reorganise Awami League forces in Faridpur.
“No Awami League ally will be allowed to regroup here. If anyone tries, we’ll respond with force,” one speaker declared.
Azad, managing director of Ha-Meem Group and owner of Daily Samakal and Channel 24, was previously vice-president of the district Awami League and later made an advisory member.
After being denied the party nomination in the 2024 general election, he ran as an independent candidate from Faridpur-3 with the Eagle symbol.
He defeated an AL-backed candidate by a large margin and was later expelled from the party’s advisory council.
Asked about the visit to Azad’s house, BNP leader Mostafa said: “We heard that banned Awami League members and their allies were holding a secret meeting at the house of a former Awami League vice-president. We went to check.”
Asked if it was appropriate for political party members to enter a former MP’s private home when law-enforcing agencies exist, he said: “It’s the police who are trying to rehabilitate the Awami League.”
Nayab Yusuf, daughter of the late minister and senior BNP leader Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, is campaigning as the party’s candidate from Faridpur-3.
She is also a joint secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal.
Witnesses said most of the individuals involved in the visit and subsequent march were supporters of Nayab.
On the matter, Nayab said: “AK Azad has several houses in the city. Yes, there was a BNP rally [on Thursday], but I’m not aware of any party members entering any house.”
She added: “Azad is spreading money and confusion ahead of the election, trying to reorganise the Awami League. We will not allow that.
“But I don’t support violence or chaos. I don’t practise that kind of politics, nor do I allow it among my followers.”
District BNP Convenor Syed Modarres Ali said he was in Dhaka and unaware of the incident. “No one informed me anything happened at Azad’s house.”
Faridpur Kotwali Police Station chief Asaduzzaman Shakil said he received the report around 4pm that the BNP members had visited the house.
“We dispatched a team immediately, but no one was found at the scene,” he added.
Attempts to contact Azad were unsuccessful.
