CHAPAINAWABGANJ — Aminul Islam, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Chapainawabganj-2 constituency and a co-secretary of industry and commerce on the party’s central executive committee, said: “In two days, inshallah, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will form the government. Then there will be no one to speak against. What I say will be the law — the command of Allah.”
A 42-second video of his remarks, recorded Tuesday afternoon, spread rapidly across social media, drawing storms of debate across the district and triggering a wider political backlash.
In the viral clip, Aminul Islam is heard saying: “This will have to be suppressed with a firm hand and a firm mind. They cannot use Haji [Aminul Islam] as cover everywhere. You also have a responsibility. There is a beel; the beel is not something someone will lift and walk out with — it is within their authority. It will run by the old rules. Whatever I have apportioned, no one will lift a needle outside of that. Before the election, do not take these and sit. There will be no problem for a month or two. Trust in Allah — the next Bangladesh Nationalist Party government will be formed. Then there will be no one to speak against. What I say will be the law — the command of Allah. So there is no need to be afraid now.”
According to local sources, in Radhanagar union of Gomastapur upazila there is a beel known as Choto Billa-Boro Billa, covering several mouzas. There is local dispute over it, and a case is pending in the High Court. The government is also losing revenue from the beel every year. Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, BNP leader Aminul Islam held a meeting at his home with leaders and workers of the Radhanagar union BNP. During his speech to party leaders and workers about the beel, he made the controversial remarks.
Abu Taher Khokon, general secretary of Nachole upazila BNP, said: “We are deeply embarrassed by Haji Aminul’s remarks. He cannot make such a statement consistent with party ideology. We will inform the central leadership.”
Aminul Islam was called several times for comment but did not respond.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report