Cox’s Bazar: BNP Protests Over ‘Derogatory’ Remarks Against Salahuddin

Local leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) staged a protest in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday (July 19, 2025) in response to what they described as “derogatory” remarks made by Nasiruddin Patwary, the chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), against BNP’s Standing Committee member and former minister Salahuddin Ahmed. The protest turned chaotic as BNP activists disrupted an NCP rally in Chakaria, vandalizing a mobile stage.

BNP leaders condemned Nasiruddin’s statements made during an NCP gathering at Cox’s Bazar’s Shahid Doulat Maidan, calling them offensive and unacceptable. They expressed outrage, stating, “We strongly condemn and protest the derogatory language used by Derby Nasir against Salahuddin Ahmed, a revered figure from Cox’s Bazar and a member of BNP’s national standing committee. July is a month marked by the blood of over two thousand martyrs; it is not anyone’s personal property. Nasiruddin must apologize immediately for his distasteful remarks.”

In a Facebook post, Mizanur Rahman, a candidate for the general secretary post of the district Chhatra Dal, criticized Nasiruddin, saying, “Who does this novice NCP leader, Derby Nasiruddin Patwary, think he is to make derogatory comments about our respected leader, Alhaj Salahuddin Ahmed, whose political experience surpasses your entire lifetime? For the past 16-17 years, we have fought against fascism, something you haven’t even come close to doing. We are exercising restraint for the sake of the people, but you still have time to mend your ways. Overstep, and the consequences won’t be pleasant.” Abu Saeed Mohammad Suja Uddin, NCP’s central joint member secretary, claimed that BNP activists obstructed their convoy and vandalized their mobile stage in Chakaria due to a speech made during the rally. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chakaria Police Station, Md. Shafiqul Islam, confirmed the incident, stating, “BNP activists protested against the derogatory remarks made about Salahuddin Ahmed, which led to some unrest. The situation is now under control.” Earlier that day, the NCP held a rally at Shahid Doulat Maidan in Cox’s Bazar as part of their “July March” program. NCP leaders, including convener Nahid Islam, chief organizer for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah, and chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, spoke at the event.

In his speech, Nasiruddin Patwary remarked, “During the Awami League’s tenure, Narayanganj had a notorious godfather, Shamim Osman. Now, we hear a new godfather from Shillong has emerged in Cox’s Bazar, seizing shrimp farms, grabbing people’s land, and engaging in extortion.”