BNP Leader Reopens Awami League Office Post-Election

In a surprising political gesture following a recent election victory, Abu Daud Pradhan, president of the Panchagarh Sadar Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), unlocked an Awami League office that had been inactive and restricted for years. On Friday morning, 13 February, he personally reopened the Chaklahat Union Awami League office, pledging to stand by the party at the grassroots level.

A video capturing the event quickly circulated on social media, sparking a flurry of reactions from both supporters and critics. In the recording, Kamruzzaman Bullet, Joint General Secretary of the Chaklahat Union Awami League, is heard saying:
"BNP leader Abu Daud Pradhan has today liberated the Chaklahat Union Awami League office, an organisation dear to the people and the party, removing its long-standing restrictions."

Freedom fighter and union Awami League member Abul Hossain appealed to Pradhan, stating:
"False cases have been filed against us. We request Abu Daud Pradhan to protect us from such harassment."

Former student leader Anisuzzaman Swapon added:
"If anyone attempts to manipulate the national flag or the Liberation War legacy, we will unite and collectively resist these defeated forces. Regardless of party affiliation, we all want to live in harmony in our locality."

Abu Daud Pradhan explained the rationale behind his decision, noting that the office had been locked for 18 years.
"I learned that the Awami League office was padlocked only recently; had I known earlier, I would have acted sooner. Our electoral victory after 18 years reflects the mandate given by the people to the united forces of both sides of the independence struggle. This has resulted in record-breaking voter support across Bangladesh."

He emphasised discipline and unity:
"In every party, there are individuals of questionable intent. We have restrictions to expel them, and under no circumstances should anyone disturb local law and order."

Pradhan addressed Awami League members directly:
"You are citizens of a free and sovereign Bangladesh. You must not commit any wrongdoing, and if someone harasses you, inform me. I will not provide shelter to wrongdoers. Opening this office aims purely to maintain peace in the area; previously, it was locked by Jamaat activists."

Abul Hossain confirmed the office’s reopening:
"Jamaat had kept this office padlocked. Today, with Abu Daud Pradhan and many locals, we reopened it. Cleaning and maintenance are ongoing. For the time being, freedom fighters will use the office; no Awami League activities will be held here."

Key Figures Involved

This unprecedented move underscores a rare moment of cross-party collaboration in the region, signalling a focus on local harmony over partisan rivalry.