Protests Continue in Mirsarai Demanding Withdrawal of Expulsion Orders Against 5 Top BNP-Youth Leaders

In Mirsarai, Chittagong, BNP and Jubo Dal activists have been holding protest rallies in various locations, demanding the withdrawal of expulsion orders against five top leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its youth wing, Jubo Dal.

On Thursday (July 31), protest rallies were held in the evening at Mithachhara Bazar, Bartakia, and Abutorab Bazar in Mirsarai Sadar Union. The protests culminated in brief demonstrations where BNP leaders and activists voiced their concerns. At the Mithachhara and Abutorab Bazar rallies, the chief guest was Mohammad Alamgir, former General Secretary of Mirsarai Upazila BNP. Speakers at the Mithachhara rally included Mohammad Main Uddin Company, former President of Mirsarai Sadar Union BNP; Jahed Hussain, former Member Secretary of Mirsarai Municipality BNP; Shahinul Islam Swapan, former Convener of Upazila Jubo Dal; and Abdullah Al Noman, former Joint General Secretary of Chittagong North District Chhatra Dal. Others present included Robiul Hossain and Alamgir Hossain, Joint Conveners of Mirsarai Sadar Union BNP; Abu Salek Sohel, Member Secretary of Sadar Union Jubo Dal; BNP leader Arif Hossain; Azad Hossain, Member Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal; Mohammad Sharfuddin, President of the Nationalist Forum in Chittagong and BNP leader of 10 No. Mithanala Union; Shahidul Islam, former President of Mirsarai Sadar Union Chhatra Dal; and Naim Sarker, a leader of Upazila Chhatra Dal, along with other BNP affiliate leaders and activists. At the Abutorab Bazar rally, speakers included Mohammad Alamgir, former General Secretary of Upazila BNP; Jahid Hussain, former Member Secretary of Municipality BNP; Ashraf Uddin, Convener of Upazila Krishak Dal; Mohammad Mohiuddin, former General Secretary of Maghadia Union BNP; and M Helal Uddin, Joint Convener. Others present included Saiful Islam, a BNP leader of Maghadia Union; S M Sumon, a Jubo Dal leader; Nizam Uddin and Shoyeb Hasan, former Presidents of Mayani Union Chhatra Dal; Shakhaowat Hossain Ripon, Convener of Maghadia Union Jubo Dal; Mominul Islam, Member Secretary; Muslim Uddin, Joint Convener of Mayani Union Jubo Dal; and Rakib Hossain, a Jubo Dal leader. During the protests, speakers stated, “For the past 17 years, those who stood on the streets against the fascist Hasina regime, supported party workers, and struggled in Mirsarai despite the Awami League’s oppression have now faced organizational actions. We urge BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to send an investigation team to Mirsarai. This team should investigate whether Nurul Amin Chairman was involved in anti-organizational activities and whether the expelled leaders were engaged in any such actions. We request a reconsideration of the expulsion orders.”