Jhalokathi, Sept 4 (V7N) – A political storm has erupted in Rajapur, Jhalokathi, following controversial remarks made by Upazila BNP President Talukder Abul Kalam Azad during a discussion meeting held on the night of September 2. The comments were made in the context of a rally organized to mark the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), scheduled for 3:00 PM on September 3.
 
In his speech, Azad urged public participation in the rally, stating, “There is no Awami League, no Charmonai, no Jamaat in this rally—everyone should join.” The statement, captured on video, rapidly went viral across social media platforms, particularly Facebook, triggering widespread backlash from both party members and the general public.
 
Grassroots BNP leaders have condemned the remarks, calling them inappropriate and damaging to party unity and strategy. Several local leaders argued that such unsolicited comments are not only in poor taste but politically irresponsible, especially when coming from someone holding a leadership position.
 
Local residents also voiced concern, suggesting that Azad’s statement compromises the ideological integrity of the BNP and provides political opponents with ammunition to attack the party’s credibility. Many believe the fallout has already begun to affect the party's image in the region.
 
Although opinions vary among other leaders within the Upazila BNP, the issue remains a topic of intense debate in the local political scene. What was intended to be a festive and unifying event has now given rise to internal unrest.
 
Repeated attempts to reach Talukder Abul Kalam Azad for comment were unsuccessful as his mobile phone remained unreachable.
 
Meanwhile, Shahadat Hossain, Member Secretary of the Jhalokathi District BNP, issued a firm response, stating that no one from the party has been assigned the responsibility to rehabilitate parties like the Awami League, Jamaat-e-Islami, or Charmonai. He added that although the position of Rajapur BNP’s General Secretary has been officially suspended, political activities are still being conducted under the influence of an unnamed leader. According to him, Azad’s comments may also have been made under that leader's influence. He clarified that the party would not take responsibility for such statements.
 
As the controversy unfolds, the BNP leadership at both local and district levels faces renewed pressure to address internal divisions and reinforce party discipline ahead of crucial political developments.
 
END/AIJ/SMA/