Audio Leak of BNP Leader Allegedly Supplying Firearms Sparks Uproar

Allegations have surfaced that a BNP leader from Chapainawabganj supplied firearms to a dismissed army soldier for use in terrorist activities. A leaked phone call recording involving three individuals has gone viral, creating uproar within the local administration and political circles.

The Key Figure: Obaid Pathan

• Name Variations: Known locally as Wahad Pathan or Obaidul Pathan.
• Political Role: Former Convenor of Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila BNP.
• Election Aspirations: Intends to seek party nomination in the upcoming national election.
• Current Allegation: Accused of providing weapons to a former soldier.

Police have already launched a full investigation into the matter. The individual accused of receiving the weapons has since been arrested in connection with another case.

Profile of the Accused Recipient

Previous Incident Involving Firearms

• In July, during a clash over a sand quarry, Rishan Ali was seen openly brandishing a firearm.
• The origin of the weapon was questioned the very next day.
• A recorded conversation later emerged between Iqbal Hossain (a close associate of Rishan), Nasir Uddin (UP member of Ward 2, Islampur), and Jasim Uddin (Nasir’s cousin).
• This conversation, which has since been leaked, repeatedly mentioned the names Wahad Pathan and Obaidul Pathan.

Confirmation of the Leaked Audio

Attempts to contact Iqbal, Jasim, and another associate, Amrul, were unsuccessful.
However, UP member Nasir Uddin confirmed the authenticity of the audio recording, stating: “The conversation took place some time ago. Rishan, Amrul, and Iqbal all move in the same group. An incident occurred over sand, where Rishan displayed a weapon. To learn more, I spoke to Rishan’s close aide, Iqbal.”

Denial from BNP Leader Obaid Pathan

When asked, Obaid Pathan categorically denied the allegations: “I have never met Rishan. I do not know him. This is the first I am hearing about the phone call. I have never handled a firearm, nor do I own a licensed one.”

Police Investigation

Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Matiur Rahman confirmed awareness of the audio leak. He further stated:

• Rishan was interrogated during remand both by the investigating officer and by the OC himself.
• No weapons were recovered during the process.
• Rishan remained silent and provided no information on the matter.
• The case is currently under intensive investigation.

Summary of Developments at a Glance