A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader has been temporarily relieved of his party post following allegations of attempting to rape a woman by luring her with the promise of a “family card” in Rangpur’s Mithapukur upazila.
The accused, Enamul Haque, is the assistant organising secretary of Bhangni Union BNP under Mithapukur upazila.
Mithapukur Upazila BNP President Golam Rabbani confirmed on Tuesday ,April 28, that Enamul has been temporarily relieved of his post following the incident. A press release was issued in this regard.
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According to the complaint, the victim, the wife of a van driver from Thakurbari village under Bhangni Union, had earlier worked in favour of the BNP’s “Dhaner Shis” symbol during the national parliamentary election. During that time, she became acquainted with Enamul Haque.
After the election, the BNP leader allegedly promised her a “family card” as a reward for her support in election-related work.
On Saturday (April 25) around 12pm, Enamul reportedly visited the woman’s house to collect her mobile number for processing the family card. Taking advantage of the absence of other family members, he allegedly attempted to engage in indecent conversation and later tried to rape her by grabbing her, according to the victim.
The woman said she managed to push him away and escaped. She further alleged that after the incident became known, the accused claimed that “no one can do anything against him.”
She also said that Enamul had come to her house under the pretext of providing the family card after Eid and demanded justice for the incident, noting that her husband is a van driver and they are a poor family.
However, Enamul Haque denied the allegations, claiming that no such incident took place and that he was being falsely implicated due to personal enmity. He, however, could not explain why he was being allegedly framed.
Upazila BNP President Golam Rabbani said a probe committee has been formed and Enamul has been temporarily suspended from his party post. He added that if found guilty in the investigation, he will be permanently expelled.
Mithapukur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Nuruzzaman said legal action will be taken if a written complaint is filed following investigation.