4 BNP leaders expelled in Gazipur over allegations of extortion
One of the expelled leaders has already been arrested and is currently in jail, said Manjurul Karim, general secretary of BNP's Gazipur Metropolitan unit
Four leaders of the Gazipur Metropolitan unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been expelled from the party due to allegations of extortion at industrial factories, violating party discipline, and engaging in activities deemed contrary to the party's ideology and unity.
One of the expelled leaders has already been arrested and is currently in jail, said Manjurul Karim, general secretary of BNP's Gazipur Metropolitan unit.
The expelled individuals are - Rakib Uddin Sarkar (Pappu), former joint convener of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP, Abdul Halim Molla, member secretary of Gazipur Metropolitan Swechchhasebak Dal, Ziaul Hasan (Swapan), former member of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP, and Sirajul Islam (Sathi), member secretary of Tongi East unit of Swechchhasebak Dal.
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According to a party statement, the expelled leaders were found to be involved in unethical activities, including extortion, which clearly violate party discipline and principles.
As a result, they have been expelled from all levels of the party, including primary membership, the statement said.
Besides, Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has also issued individual letters to each of the expelled leaders, informing them of the decision.
Meanwhile, Ziaul Hasan Swapan was arrested last afternoon (6 July) by members from Tongi East Police Station in connection with an extortion case.
Commenting on the matter, Gazipur BNP General Secretary Manjurul Karim said multiple complaints had been received against the four individuals for using the BNP's name to carry out extortion in different areas.
"Based on these allegations, the party high command has made this decision," he added.
He further said the BNP, founded on the ideals of the late president Ziaur Rahman, has no place for extortionists or criminals.
"Our party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman closely monitors the activities of party members. If any individual is found involved in wrongdoing, the party will take strict action," he said.
