'I will burn your houses to ashes': BNP leader Manjurul threatens voters in Cumilla, video goes viral

A video circulating on social media shows BNP leader Manjurul Ahsan Munshi threatening voters in Cumilla's Debidwar, warning that he would burn their houses if they vote for another political party.

In the 53-second video, Munshi is heard saying, "If BNP comes to power and you vote for another party, I will not spare any of you. I will burn your houses to ashes. I am saying this clearly. Do not think that I am trying to intimidate you. You are free to record my words and make them public. I have no objection."

Munshi, a four-time MP from the constituency, made the remarks early hours of today (10 February) while campaigning in support of Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Md A Jasim Uddin at a yard meeting in Baksar village of Debidwar upazila.

Manjurul Ahsan Munshi in the 53-second video that went viral over threatening voters. Photo: Screengrab.

According to media reports, Munshi's candidacy in the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency was earlier cancelled on 17 January over allegations of loan default. He had initially secured the BNP nomination for the seat, where his main rival was National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah.

Following Munshi's disqualification, Md A Jasim Uddin is now contesting the seat.

In the video, Munshi also urged voters to elect the "truck" symbol and calls for support to help BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman form the next government.

The video has since circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism and raising concerns over election rhetoric and voter intimidation during the campaign period.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Manjurul said, "The matter was merely a figure of speech. In fact, when that meeting took place, it was almost 2am. I was extremely tired, as I had left home at 9am and spent the entire day campaigning and holding meetings in support of the 'truck' symbol."

"I was very exhausted. In that state, I made the remark to my leaders and activists in passing. It was just a figure of speech, nothing more. Some people are trying to create controversy over the issue," he added.

When contacted, Cumilla North District BNP Member Secretary Tarek Munshi said he was ill and unaware of the video.

However, BNP central leader Awal Khan, who attended the meeting, told The Business Standard that Munshi did not make such remarks in that manner and only requested locals to protect his honour.

Attempt to reach Debidwar Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rakibul Islam for comment was unsuccessful.