A BNP leader in Kurigram’s Ulipur has been arrested with 74 yaba tablets, according to the district Detective Branch (DB) of police. The party has subsequently suspended him from his organisational post and all party activities.
Mohammad Afzal Hossain, 42, was arrested during a police raid at his home in the Puratan Anantapur Bazar area of Hatia Union at around noon on Sunday (27 September). Police said they recovered 74 yaba tablets from the premises during the operation.
Afzal serves as the fourth joint convener of the BNP’s Hatia Union unit. His arrest prompted the local BNP leadership to take immediate organisational action. Within a few hours of the arrest, the Ulipur upazila unit temporarily relieved him of his party post and suspended his participation in all organisational activities.
Mohammad Rezaul Karim, officer-in-charge of the Kurigram district DB, said Afzal was arrested as part of an anti-drug operation. A case has been filed against him in connection with the seizure, he said.
The organisational decision was formally communicated in a letter issued on Sunday night. The letter was signed by Tariq Abul Ala Chowdhury, convener of the Ulipur upazila BNP, and Haider Ali Miah, its member secretary.
According to the letter, Afzal’s arrest over allegations linked to drugs was considered inconsistent with the party’s principles, discipline and public image. The local leadership therefore decided to temporarily relieve him of his party position and suspend him from all organisational activities.
Faruk Ahmed Baten, convener of the Hatia Union BNP, described the alleged conduct as harmful to the party.
Tariq Abul Ala Chowdhury said the party would not tolerate individuals engaging in wrongdoing while using its name. He added that if an investigation finds the involvement of others in the incident, organisational action would also be taken against them.
The police case will now proceed through the legal process. The allegations against Afzal remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, while any further action concerning other possible involvement will depend on the findings of the authorities.
The incident has also prompted the local BNP leadership to distance the organisation from the allegations by taking action against one of its office-bearers. For now, the party’s decision is temporary, while the legal proceedings and any subsequent investigation will determine the next steps in the case.
