Abdullah Al Amin, joint secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and MP for Narayanganj-4, was reportedly trapped for around two hours on Tuesday evening during an iftar event organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Fatulla’s BSCIC industrial area.
The confrontation arose after Al Amin referred to Mohammad Hatem, president of the country’s largest knitwear association, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), as a “fascist’s stooge.” This remark sparked outrage among Narayanganj businesspeople, who blocked the MP and staged a protest at the venue.
Eyewitnesses said both Al Amin and Hatem were invited guests at the iftar program. Upon seeing Hatem on stage, Al Amin refused to sit with him and later publicly insulted him, saying, “I will not sit on the same stage as a fascist’s stooge.”
Following the comment, tensions escalated, with hundreds of businesspeople and supporters surrounding the venue in protest, demanding action against the MP’s remark. Police from Fatulla Thana were dispatched to manage the situation and eventually evacuated Al Amin around 9 p.m., according to witnesses.
Business leaders said Hatem is a democratically elected leader and key figure in sustaining the country’s economy. Labeling him a fascist’s stooge, they argued, was an insult to the entire business community.
A factory owner in the area noted, because of Hatem’s strong leadership and pro-business approach, they’ve been able to continue operations in Narayanganj despite challenges.
Al Amin reportedly remained on the fourth floor of the five-story building where the iftar was taking place and said he felt safe due to the presence of police, army, and border guards. However, he alleged that Hatem’s supporters had assaulted some NCP members outside the venue.
Fatulla Thana Inspector Anwar Hossain said that police were dispatched to the scene after receiving news of the incident.
However, according to eyewitnesses, additional police arrived at the venue and rescued MP Abdullah Al Amin around 9 p.m., taking him away by vehicle to protect him from the angry businesspeople.