Tension in Netrokona over NCP leader’s remark on BNP leader Babar

A political tension has intensified in Netrokona following remarks made by National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary about former state minister for home affairs and senior BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar.

The controversy increased throughout today, prompting BNP leaders and activists to organise protest marches in multiple locations, including Netrokona district town as well as Madan and other upazilas.

Demonstrators marched in protest, chanting slogans and expressing strong outrage over Nasiruddin's comments.

Earlier in the day, during an NCP rally held at the Collectorate Ground in Netrokona this afternoon, Nasiruddin directly addressed Babar.

He said, "Many incidents have taken place in Bangladesh, but one of the biggest was the 10-truck arms haul. If you [Babar] couldn't handle the weapons, then why had you brought them in? This incident has posed a threat to Bangladesh's sovereignty in South Asia and endangered countless lives."

He also said, "I respect Babar Bhai as a leader who has endured imprisonment. But I cannot support that particular act. Because of that incident, BNP couldn't return to power. A fascist and killer like Hasina came to power instead. Over the last 15 years, our brothers have been killed, shot at—this makes you accountable in the court of history as well."

NCP Convener Nahid Islam also addressed the rally.

The remarks triggered strong reactions among BNP leaders and supporters across the district.

From this afternoon until evening, BNP and its affiliated organisations organised protest marches in several upazilas, including Netrokona Sadar, voicing their condemnation of the NCP and its leader.

Speaking at a protest in Netrokona Sadar, district BNP Joint Convener Md Moniruzzaman Dudu said, "Through these statements, the NCP has revealed itself as an agent of Indian interests. From today, the NCP is declared unwelcome in Netrokona.

"We strongly condemn this indecent and provocative remark. We demand a full retraction and a formal apology to the nation from the NCP."

District BNP Convener Anwar Hossain also condemned the statement, saying: "It is completely inappropriate to personally attack anyone in a political gathering. Nasiruddin Patwary's remarks are an attempt to distort history and are clearly provocative. I strongly protest."

In response, NCP Central Organiser Pritom Sohag issued a statement defending Nasiruddin, saying: "Nasiruddin Patwary did not personally attack anyone. He merely presented historical facts and political realities. There was no intent to insult or demean anyone."