50 AL-JaPa men join BNP out of frustration and anger
Several leaders and activists of Awami League and Jatiya Party have joined BNP in Kendua upazila of Netrakona. A programme was arranged on this occasion at the upazila BNP office on Saturday night. District BNP’s member secretary Md Rafiqul Islam and upazila BNP president welcomed them with garland of flowers.
Those who joined BNP are Kendua upazila Jatiya Party’s organising secretary Md Iqbal Kabir, Balaishimul union Swechchhasebak League’s general secretary Md Jasim Uddin, organising secretary of no. 8 ward Awami League of Kandiura union Jamal Uddin, Kandiura union Awami League’s member Jewel Mia, Ashujia union Awami League’s member Md Billal Hossain and others. Some 50 activists of Awami League and Jatiya Party joined the BNP with them.
Speaking to Prothom Alo over the phone on Sunday morning, Rafiqul Islam, organising secretary of Netrakona district BNP, said, “There is no alternative to BNP in re-establishing democracy in the country. BNP is waging a movement to revive democracy. Therefore, the people aspiring freedom have started joining BNP.”
“Last night, at least 51 leaders and activists of Awami League, Swechchhasebak League and Jatiya Party joined us (BNP). As we found no problem in their past activities, we gave them the chance to join the BNP. Earlier on 13 August, at least 42 activists and leaders of Awami League and their associated bodies joined BNP,” he added.
Speaking regarding this, upazila Jatiya Party’s organising secretary Md Iqbal Kabir told Prothom Alo, “Jatiya Party do not have any leadership of their own. People consider them as a ruling party's consociates. Besides, my family supports the BNP. Inspired by the ideals of Ziaur Rahman, I have joined the BNP to establish people’s right to vote.”
Bolaishimul union Swechchhasebak League general secretary Md Jasim Uddin, who also joined BNP, said, “An activist like me has sacrificed a lot for Awami League and we received no recognition from the party for long. There is no value for grassroots leaders and activists in the party.”
“Besides, false case has been filed against me and my family on allegation of obstructing the construction of house on Bolaishimul playground under Ashrayan project. All these has made me angry so I have joined BNP,” he added.