Youth Dal Leader Questioned Over Security Deployment

Faruk Hossain Bepari, convener of the Madaripur District unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) youth wing, has been summoned to explain his actions after overseeing security drills and guard arrangements around the residence and business establishments of central Awami League Presidium member and former Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, as well as his brothers, amid fears of potential attacks. The move, announced on Monday, 22 December, has sparked widespread discussion and criticism within local political circles.

The disciplinary notice was issued on Sunday, 21 December, by the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, signed by Deputy Secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiya. The notice stated that, despite holding a senior district-level post, Bepari engaged in activities outside organisational regulations, prompting the central committee to demand an explanation within three days before the Executive Committee’s President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon.

Local BNP sources indicated that the recent actions were connected to protests following the assassination of Osman Hadi. Demonstrations, protest rallies, and symbolic funerals took place across Madaripur on 19–20 December. Prior to this, social media posts and groups had circulated calls to stage sit-ins in front of Shajahan Khan’s residence and his brothers’ businesses. The posts prompted concern online. At present, Shajahan Khan and his son Asibur Rahman Asib Khan remain in prison, while his brothers, though fugitives, continue to operate transport businesses, hotels, petrol stations, and other commercial ventures in Madaripur.

On Saturday, in anticipation of potential violence, Bepari led around fifty youth wing members in maintaining a presence across five locations, including Shajahan Khan’s ten-storey residence at Chanmari Mosque and his brothers’ hotels, restaurants, and petrol stations. Photographs of the youth members in these locations circulated widely on social media, generating criticism.

Speaking to reporters, Bepari clarified that the deployment was coordinated following warnings from central leadership about potential nationwide unrest during the postponed parliamentary elections. Police and local authorities had requested their presence to prevent third-party exploitation, not to protect any individual’s property. He asserted, “We did not guard Shajahan Khan’s private businesses or residence; our presence was to assist law enforcement and prevent disorder while demonstrating against Osman Hadi’s murder.”

Zafar Ali Mia, BNP district convener, noted that the central committee would investigate Bepari’s actions and take appropriate steps if irregularities were confirmed, emphasising that unlawful activities undermine the party’s image.

Key Details:

The incident highlights tensions between local and central party directives and underscores the sensitive nature of political demonstrations and security coordination in Bangladesh.