MP post worth Tk 12 crore! Chittagong BNP leader’s explosive claim

❐ Chittagong Bureau

Hot air is blowing in the political arena of Chittagong. Fatema Badsha, central joint secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal, has made a sensational allegation regarding the proposal of transactions worth crores of taka for the post of member of parliament.

He claims that a group has demanded Tk 12 crore from him to ensure his nomination for the reserved women’s seat.

This veteran leader of Chittagong said in a recent interview that a special team from Dhaka traveled to Chittagong by microbus and met with her. There, she was given two proposals. Among them was to become a member of parliament by paying 120 million taka directly; and if she could not pay cash, she should sign the development project documents in advance so that the group could control the allocated money.

Fatima Badsha said angrily, “I didn’t want to be a puppet. The purpose of entering politics was not personal gain. That’s why I rejected both offers.”

The leader, who is seeking nomination from Chittagong-9 constituency in a political career spanning nearly four decades, alleged that an ‘invisible force’ is active within the party. According to her, money has now become more important than merit and sacrifice.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the growing influence of outside leaders in Chittagong politics.

There has been some unease among the top leaders of the Chittagong BNP over this explosive allegation. Metropolitan BNP convener Ershad Ullah said he is not aware of the matter as he is currently abroad performing Umrah.

Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman questioned the financial justification of the allegations and indicated that the matter was in conflict with party discipline.

The elections for reserved seats for women are scheduled to be held on May 12. Barrister Shakila Farzana, Dr. Kamrunnahar Dastagir and a dozen heavyweight women leaders are in the running from Chittagong against the BNP’s possible 36 seats. Meanwhile, Fatema Badsha’s allegations have thrown the entire nomination process into controversy.

This allegation of nomination trading is creating a new equation in Chittagong politics. The fact that the leader who made the allegation has information and evidence but is not disclosing it is not only not clearing the fog, but also increasing discomfort within the party.