2 Jubo Dal leaders suspended over alleged fuel extortion in Jashore
The party citing clear evidence of disciplinary violations.
Two leaders of Jubo Dal have been suspended following allegations of forcibly taking petrol from a filling station in Jashore and later selling it at inflated prices on the open market.
The action was taken against Shamim Kabir Wasim, organisational secretary of Churamankati Union Jubo Dal, and Zakir Hossain Ziko Dafadar, a member of Ward No 1 of the same union unit.
The information was disclosed in a press release signed by Abul Kalam Azad, joint convener of Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal, last night (30 March), stating that they were accused of violating party discipline with clear evidence.
The statement also noted that the party would not take responsibility for any misconduct committed by them and instructed all leaders and activists to sever organisational ties with the two.
Local leaders said that on Saturday night (28 March), the two went to the Jashore Filling Station in the Shantola area along the Jashore–Jhenaidah highway and allegedly used their influence to forcibly take fuel and later sold it at higher prices.
After the matter came to light, district BNP General Secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon visited the site on Sunday afternoon (29 March).
Following verification of the incident through CCTV footage, he directed that organisational action be taken, leading to their expulsion yesterday (30 March).
However, the allegations were denied by Tanvir Rihan Tuhin, senior joint convener of Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal, saying that the two leaders did not take fuel but had gone to the station to resolve a disturbance.
He also said that although the matter is being handled by law enforcement and the administration, organisational action was taken as they were present at the scene.
"No one is above the party. Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone involved in disorder," he added.
