Muktibani Online Report
BNP leaders believe the resignation of reserved-seat MP Ferdousy Ahmed, following the prime minister’s instruction, has sent a strong warning across the party.
They say the leadership is making clear that MPs, ministers and senior leaders must be careful about their own conduct and that of those around them.
“Ferdousy Ahmed’s resignation is an immediate political and organisational response, but the more important question now is what happens in the investigation and legal process.” — Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, former professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University
They also say abuse of power, controversial activities or conduct that damages the party’s image could bring disciplinary or political consequences, regardless of a person’s position in the party or government.
Ferdousy allegedly had links to an attack on a healthcare centre in Mirpur more than a week ago.
Political analysts, however, question whether the BNP has acted too late to restore its image, given earlier controversies involving party leaders.
Many BNP leaders and lawmakers were surprised when party Chairman Tarique Rahman instructed Ferdousy on Wednesday night to leave parliament amid controversy over the attack, looting and partial demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1.
She submitted her resignation yesterday, and her reserved seat was later declared vacant.
On Wednesday night, the BNP also dissolved the 51-member convening committee of Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP, where Ferdousy served as a joint convener.
Party leaders said the allegations surrounding the Radda attack embarrassed the government and the ruling party, while giving the opposition ammunition.
A minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a visible response had become necessary.
Party sources said matters were made worse by the alleged involvement of several people from the party’s local unit, some of them close to Ferdousy.
“An incident took place over a disputed site, and the activities of people associated with the lawmaker damaged our party’s image,” BNP MP Shahadat Hossain Selim of Lakshmipur-1 told Media.
He said the decision on her resignation sent a wider message, adding that opposition politicians, bureaucrats and others should be held to the same standards of law and accountability.
BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said, “The prime minister’s position on crime is very tough, and this decision has made it clear. Whoever the offender is, whether from inside the party or outside, tough action will be taken.”
Another BNP leader said, “The prime minister wants to send the message first within his own party and government, and then to other parties, so that no one can accuse him of favouring his own people or applying double standards.”
Allegations against other ruling-party MPs and their family members have surfaced over various issues.
In July, the BNP issued a show-cause notice to Mymensingh-11 MP Fakhruddin Ahmed Bachchu over allegations that he demanded money from industrial establishments. He was asked to explain his position within 48 hours. He denied the allegations.
A similar allegation was made against Khairul Islam Sajib, son of Narayanganj-3 MP Azharul Islam Mannan. Police detained and questioned Sajib before releasing him to his family on a written undertaking. Jubo Dal expelled him. Sajib and his family denied the allegations.
Political analysts said the damage to the party’s image had already been done and that earlier, tougher action could have reduced the political cost.
Mohammad Mojibur Rahman, a professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research, said the decision on Ferdousy’s resignation was strong but should have come earlier.
He said such a move would make MPs, ministers and other office-holders more careful.
He added that a proper investigation should identify everyone involved in the attack and destruction.
The BNP’s next test will be whether it follows the same approach in future cases and whether those found responsible in the Radda investigation face legal action.
Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, a former professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, said, “Ferdousy Ahmed’s resignation is an immediate political and organisational response, but the more important question now is what happens in the investigation and legal process.”
PMO and party sources said the government is also considering tougher action against extortion, land grabbing and other crimes, regardless of political identity.
Its plans include updating a nationwide database of offenders and preparing local lists through intelligence agencies, district administrations and police.
