BNP Leaders in Sylhet Issued Show-Cause Notices After Election Debacle

Staff Reporter

Sylhet: The BNP suffered a significant defeat in the Sylhet District Bar Association election, prompting criticism and internal reflection. In response, four BNP leaders have been issued show-cause notices.

On Tuesday, January 21, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi sent the notices, asking the leaders to submit written explanations within 36 hours.

The leaders who received the notices are Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Kayum Chowdhury, General Secretary Advocate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Acting President of the Metropolitan BNP Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi, and General Secretary Imdad Ahmed Chowdhury.

According to the notices, the leadership of the Sylhet District and Metropolitan BNP failed to take adequate initiatives to ensure victory for the nationalist panel in the bar association election. Their indifference and lack of effort were cited as reasons for the panel’s defeat.

The election, held on January 16, saw Awami League-backed lawyers win 12 out of 26 positions, including president and general secretary. BNP-backed candidates secured six posts, while Jamaat-backed candidates won five. Additionally, one Jasod-backed and two independent candidates were elected.

Party insiders attribute the defeat to internal divisions and a lack of coordination. They also criticized the arrogance of some BNP leaders, which they believe has damaged the party’s reputation both in and outside the courtroom.

In light of the loss, the BNP-backed Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum’s Sylhet chapter has been dissolved. A three-member investigation committee has been formed by the forum’s central body to analyze the causes of the defeat. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven working days after discussions with relevant lawyers and stakeholders.