BNP leader will surround Khaleda-Tareq if his favorite leader does not get nomination

Local correspondent

Former joint convener of Narayanganj district BNP, Lutfar Rahman Khoka, has warned that he will surround BNP top leaders Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The video of his speech at the BNP membership renewal and new member recruitment event at Sonali Sangsad ground in Fatulla, Narayanganj, went viral on social media. The announcement of surrounding the party leaders for his beloved guardian and beloved leader has sparked criticism among BNP leaders and activists.

Last Wednesday, Lutfar Rahman said in his speech, “We will bring nomination for Shah Alam (BNP’s candidate for Narayanganj-4 constituency). If necessary, we will sacrifice ourselves in front of the central office. We will surround Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia and the Secretary General. I want to tell the highest echelons of BNP in clear language that if any conspiracy is made against Fatullah, no one will be spared.”

He said, “No alliance will work here. Don’t play this game anymore. Nothing will work in Fatullah except for grains of rice. Don’t play with the emotions, hopes and aspirations of the people of Fatullah. Taking any decision here without Shah Alam, the beloved leader of the people of Fatullah, means betrayal of the people.”

His comments were met with criticism on social media. Many commented that this message revealed the discontent at the local level of BNP and its tendency to disobey the central leadership. At the same time, the message was clear that leaders and activists could stand up for the rebel candidate if the preferred candidate was not nominated.

District BNP convener Mamun Mahmud said, “This is not a political statement. Such a statement is uncalled for. It is the ravings of a madman. My advice to the leaders and activists is that they should speak with restraint and caution. They should not say anything about the party’s top leaders that creates controversy within the party.”

Meanwhile, Lutfor Rahman Khoka is now facing criticism and is in a corner.

Admitting that the comment was not correct, he said, “It was a slip of the tongue. 80 percent of the voters in Narayanganj-4 constituency are BNP. If someone else from the alliance is given here, I will not accept it. I have said too much to explain this. I have full loyalty to the party. I express my regret for what I have said. I hope the leaders and activists and the party center will see the matter easily.”