AB Party's Fuaad faces backlash from locals in Barishal over 'extortion' remark

Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuaad came under heavy criticism from locals, BNP and Chhatra Dal activists in Barishal's Babuganj upazila today (7 December) after he alleged that "local extortion" had delayed construction work on the Mirganj Bridge.

The incident took place at the Mirganj ferry ghat area around noon, where two advisers were scheduled to arrive for a pre-announced programme marking the bridge's inauguration.

The upazila administration invited the local leaders of all political parties to the inauguration ceremony. 

Fuaad, MP candidate for that constituency, reached the site earlier and spoke to reporters before the event began.

According to locals, during the media interaction, Fuaad reportedly blamed locals for causing delays in the bridge's construction and referred to them as "extortionists".

Those present at the event, including locals, BNP and Chhatra Dal activists, confronted him for an explanation and soon brought out a protest procession demanding that he leave the venue.

Babuganj upazila Chhatra Dal Convenor Atikur Rahman Al-Amin said Fuaad had made "highly inappropriate" comments.

"Coming to the inauguration programme, he falsely branded the locals of Babuganj as extortionists and even claimed that money had been demanded from the Chinese construction company. He made these allegations to the media, which is unacceptable. Local residents protested his remarks," he said.

Protesters chanted various slogans declaring Fuaad "unwelcome" and accused him of spreading misinformation about the people of Babuganj. They also escorted him out of the event area.