Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad said on Monday that “murderers, extortionists and drug dealers cannot be leaders of any political party.

He alleged that the behaviour of a section of the BNP resembles that of certain political groups seen during the Awami League regime.

He made the remarks at a press conference organised by the Party at the Barishal Reporters Unity in the afternoon.

Fuaad said he was harassed despite his efforts to contribute to a development project. “We know exactly who was behind this,” he said, urging BNP to bring those involved under proper party discipline.

He further alleged that although all members of the local administration were present during Sunday’s incident, they remained silent. “If no action is taken against the Babuganj administration, a fair election here will not be possible,” he warned.

“I have exercised patience in the interest of the nation because we want to change Bangladesh. We want respectful and dignified politics. We do not want any form of gangster politics,” he added.

Earlier on Sunday, following the inauguration of the Mirganj Bridge foundation stone in Barishal, Fuaad told reporters that locals had made various extortion demands to the bridge construction contractor.

At that moment, local BNP leaders and activists surrounded him, demanding the names of those allegedly involved. 

A scuffle broke out between supporters of Barrister Fuaad and BNP activists. As Fuaad attempted to leave the area, BNP leaders and activists followed him in a procession, chanting “bhua, bhua” slogans.