'Spent Tk50 lakh to become secretary': BNP leader's audio recording goes viral

An audio recording purportedly featuring Gias Uddin Palash, general secretary of the BNP's Ramganj municipal unit in Lakshmipur, has surfaced on social media, in which a person identifying himself as Palash claims he spent Tk50 lakh to secure the party post.

In the recording, the person identifying himself as Palash repeatedly questions another person, whom the source identifies as Noagaon union BNP President Tawhid Hossain Maruf Bhuiyan, about why his name was not included as the chief guest on the banner for an event at the district's Paniala High School.

"I am the municipal BNP secretary. My name was not on the banner. You asked, 'Who is Palash?' I am the elected secretary; I spent Tk50 lakh," he is heard saying.

The conversation subsequently turns heated, with both speakers exchanging angry remarks. Some portions contain language unsuitable for publication.

The other speaker is identified by the correspondent as Noagaon union BNP President Tawhid Hossain Maruf Bhuiyan. In the recording, he repeatedly denies having said anything against the other speaker.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Maruf said that the incident was old and had already been resolved after he informed senior party leaders.

"After I informed the senior leaders, they resolved the matter. Palash apologised to me," he added.

Palash could not be reached for comment despite several phone calls made by The Business Standard from noon to afternoon today (12 August). He also did not respond to an SMS seeking his comment.

A close associate of Palash, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the BNP leader had been angry at the time of the incident and that the matter was later resolved between the two sides.

The dispute reportedly arose after Ramganj Upazila BNP General Secretary Monowar was named chief guest and Maruf a special guest at an event at Paniala High School.