BNP leaders arrested in Muradnagar, BNP activists’ release demand and protest against what they called false and conspiratorial cases filed against labor leaders led to a complete suspension of bus services in Companyganj of Muradnagar, Cumilla. The Transport Owners-Workers Unity Council and Labor Union enforced the strike from morning to evening and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the administration during a protest rally.
On Monday, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, all long-distance bus services were suspended. However, to reduce public suffering, CNG-run auto-rickshaws were allowed to operate, keeping the roads open.
Speakers at the protest included Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan, Joint Convener of Muradnagar Upazila BNP; Haji Idris, Convener of the local labor union; and district labor leaders Zakir Hossain BSS, Babul Sarkar, Zakir Hossain, Mainuddin, Washim, and Md. Shafiqul Islam.
It is worth noting that on March 25, police and a cousin of BNP national advisor Asif Mahmud filed two separate cases accusing 32 BNP leaders and activists, including the Upazila Convener, over attacks on Muradnagar police station and on student coordinator Obaidul Haque. Additionally, 70-80 unnamed individuals were implicated. Among them, 13 were denied bail and sent to jail.
In response, the Muradnagar BNP and its affiliated organizations staged demonstrations demanding the withdrawal of cases and the resignation of the advisor, Asif Mahmud.
BNP leaders alleged that under the influence of the advisor, Officer-in-Charge Zahidur Rahman was filing fabricated charges and sending innocent activists to jail. They warned that if their people were not released within 36 hours, they would blockade the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.
BNP Convener Mohiuddin Anjan stated, “We guarded the police station and provided food. Yet, OC Zahidur is conspiring against us under Asif Mahmud’s orders. The chain of command in Muradnagar administration has collapsed. His cousin is campaigning with government allocations while the UNO remains silent.”
He added, “The OC won’t be able to escape. He too will have to testify one day, just like a former IGP did. If necessary, we’ll lay siege to the Upazila headquarters.”
Joint Convener Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan said, “Since August 5, we’ve guarded the police station. Now our activists are being jailed in false cases. This is fascist-style repression.”
BNP leaders arrested in Muradnagar, BNP activists’ release demand has escalated local political tensions, signaling further unrest if authorities fail to respond promptly.
