ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan, Member of Parliament for Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar) and Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, has voiced sharp anger against members of his own party over allegations of extortion, land grabbing, and illegal brokering at police stations. Addressing party leaders and activists at his Lakshmipur residence on Friday evening, 13 November, the lawmaker delivered a blunt rebuke, asking, “If I am clean, why should my activists not be?”
In the coastal upazilas of Ramgati and Kamalnagar, disputes over newly emerged river islands, locally known as chars, and waterways remain sensitive issues. Referring directly to these irregularities, Whip Nizan noted that certain individuals within the party have become entangled in occupying chars and illegally selling grass meant for grazing buffaloes. He pointed out the hypocrisy of those who publicly deny such accusations while continuing these illicit practices behind the scenes. Issuing a stern ultimatum, he warned that seizing private land, rivers, and canals, alongside extortion and acting as middlemen at police stations, will no longer be tolerated. Activists must now make a clear choice between abandoning these unlawful pursuits or facing the consequences, he added, urging them to refrain from exploiting political clout for personal enrichment.
To underscore his stance, Nizan pointed to his own political conduct and work ethic. He stated that he dedicates 16 to 18 hours out of every 24 to political and public service. Throwing down a challenge to his political rivals, he asked whether anyone from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, or the Awami League could ever accuse him of taking a bribe. When the top leader maintains a spotless record free of corruption allegations, he argued, there can be no justification for grassroots workers to indulge in misconduct.
Reflecting on the shifting political landscape since 5 August, the parliamentarian admitted that he has been working relentlessly to keep the local situation under control, yet a faction of activists remains unruly. His frustration was evident as he questioned the limits of organisational discipline. “Why should I misbehave with you, lose my temper, or expel you from the party?” he asked the gathering. “Even expelling individuals from the party has failed to stop them. Should I have them sent to jail now?”
During his speech, Nizan also invoked the legacy of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He reminded party workers that while they had chanted slogans demanding her release for years, it was ultimately the student-mass uprising that secured her freedom. He highlighted the profound affection and respect ordinary citizens hold for Khaleda Zia, urging activists to honour that goodwill through responsible behaviour.
Turning his attention to the upcoming local government elections, the Whip cautioned those harbouring ambitions to run for chairman posts. Becoming a chairman is not merely a matter of personal desire, he remarked; candidates must command genuine public acceptance and recognition. Any aspirant seeking a chairman ticket must possess at least 50 per cent of “Nizan Shaheb’s public image,” he asserted. He also stressed the importance of political maturity, reminding workers to cultivate the mindset required to accept fellow colleagues as leaders.
Wrapping up his address, ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan called upon all tiers of party activists to rise above narrow self-interest and the lure of official posts. Maintaining strict party discipline and earning the trust of ordinary people, he emphasised, remain the true foundations of sustainable politics.
