A Bangladeshi expatriate living in Saudi Arabia has publicly announced his resignation from all political activities and posts within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), using the backdrop of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca to mark his departure.
The individual, identified as Md Saddam Howlader, served as the vice-president of the Agailjhara Upazila branch in Barishal for Zia Cyber Force, a social media-based affiliate organisation of the BNP.
On Monday, 31 August, Saddam uploaded a video statement on his personal Facebook profile, filmed in front of the Holy Kaaba, declaring his decision to quit active politics. Accompanying the footage was a detailed written message explaining the motives behind his resignation.
In his online statement, Saddam addressed his family, peers, and residents of the Gournadi-Agailjhara region in Barishal, noting that roughly 90 per cent of his extended family, including his father and uncles, had been associated with the BNP for years.
Outlining his political credentials, Saddam stated that he previously served as a member of a national sub-election committee and ran as a senior joint convenor candidate for the Volunteer Wing in Gaila Union. Most recently, he held the vice-president position in the local Zia Cyber Force committee.
Explaining his departure, the Saudi-based migrant worker expressed disillusionment with current political practices in Bangladesh. He remarked that while textbooks define politics as a means to serve the public, the practical reality differs significantly.
Despite his resignation, Saddam clarified that he harbours no personal grievances against his former party. He affirmed his continued respect for the ideals of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, as well as party leaders Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. However, citing the overall political environment, he stated that he could no longer participate in political affairs and swore an oath in front of the Holy Kaaba to sever all party ties.
Local political leaders reacted with caution to the viral announcement. Molla Bashir Ahmed Panna, Member Secretary of Agailjhara Upazila BNP, stated that local committee leaders were initially unaware of the post. He noted that Saddam had been working in Saudi Arabia for an extended period, adding that party officials would investigate whether the decision stemmed from personal disputes or frustration with local colleagues.
The party official also mentioned that leadership would inquire why Saddam chose to publish a video online rather than submitting a formal written resignation through organizational channels.
