A video allegedly showing several local BNP leaders playing cards in a government primary school classroom in Cumilla's Brahmanpara upazila has gone viral on social media, sparking criticism and prompting local authorities to launch an investigation.

According to local sources, the alleged gathering took place inside a classroom of Dulalpur Government Primary School.

A video recently shared on social media appears to show several individuals sitting inside the school premises and playing cards. One person can also be seen smoking in the footage.

Residents claimed that those present in the video included Dulalpur union BNP Senior Vice-President Masud Alam, Jubo Dal leader Mahbub Member, BNP activists Ershad Zaman and Rubel Mia, among others.

Repeated attempts to contact Masud Alam for comment were unsuccessful.

The acting head teacher of the school, Syed Mosharraf Hossain Sumon, and the school's night guard, Jewel Mia, could not be reached for their statements either.

Amir Hossain, general secretary of Brahmanpara upazila BNP, said the party had taken note of the video.

"The video has come to our attention. We will verify the authenticity of the allegations and take necessary organisational action if the claims are found to be true," he said.

Brahmanpara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmuda Jahan described the allegations as alarming. "Such allegations involving an educational institution are very concerning. The matter is being investigated, and instructions have been given to the police to take necessary legal action," she said.

Officer-in-Charge of Brahmanpara Police Station Md Faruk Hossain said police became aware of the video after it spread on social media.

"Before the video went viral, police had already received information about the matter and sent a team to the spot. However, no one was found there when officers reached," he said.

The OC added that police had learned the individuals were reportedly at the school to settle accounts related to a local cattle market lease ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.