Gopalganj BNP politics in doldrums

The politics of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Gopalganj is getting complicated day by day due to intra-party feud, weak organizational capacities, filing cases against party activists, and lack of amicable relationship between elected lawmakers and party leaders along with activists.

In view of local academics, journalists and district and central BNP leaders, the elected parliament members-- Md. Selimuzzaman Mollah Gopalganj-1, Dr. K M Babar Gopalgani-2, and S M Zilani Gopalganj-3-- have failed, in some cases, to fulfill public expectations.

Particularly Selimuzzaman Mollah and Dr K M Babar face questions and dissatisfactions from civil society members, journalists and intellectual groups, together with BNP senior leaders in the area. S M Zilani is used to remain silent and making contact with the people of his constituency with some instances of peoples' satisfactory jobs to some extent.

Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin Mezbah is a popular Bangladeshi lawyer and politician. He serves as the Assistant Law Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Central Committee. 

As a senior panel lawyer for the BNP, he has extensively represented high-profile party leaders including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, and Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel. He is also a legal adviser to the National Press Club.

In response to a query regarding the present state of BNP politics in Gopalganj, Advocate Syed Joynal Abedin Mezbah told the correspondent that MP Selimuzzaman Mollah elected from Gopalganj-1 has turned his area into a hub of family-based politics, feudal attitude, and  doing such jobs in the constituency that damage the image of party politics..

In respect of Dr. K M Babar elected from Gopalganj-2, Advocate Mejbah told that Gopalganj Sadar is becoming a place of drug trafficking to a greater extent and such  activities are being done by different political forces, together with district police informers.  The drug trafficking in the area will create a barrier to building sound social and congenial academic atmosphere. Drug trafficking in Gopalganj district is covered with high-stakes smuggling networks. Law enforcement agencies like Detective Branches and other wings are trying to intercept such criminal jobs but the influx of drug trafficking is yet to go. What is the duty of Dr. Babar? 

According to Advocate Mezbah, the cases under Anti-Terrorism Act are charged for committing crime like murder, grievous hurt, and destruction of public property and the punishment are death penalty or life imprisonment along with financial fines. Bur the matter of regret that many innocent people fall prey to victim under this act that is a bad instance of justice. 

Former BNP president in Gopalganj district Saifur Rahman Nantu is the successor of political family. But he never likes dirty politics. His academic career obtained abroad and enriched with intellect and intelligence with a view to reforming social metrics to build a human society where people irrespective of caste, creed and religion are used to living peacefully in the days to come. 

Besides, former district presidents like Sharfuzzaman Jahangir, Saifur Rahman Nantu, M H Khan Monju and Sirajul Islam Siraj are considered to be more important to strengthening organizational capacity in Gopalganj. Most of them are dissatisfied with the way the present law makers are doing.

Till now three ministers already stepped down and one MP resigned. Ferdousy Ahmed Mishti was a woman reserved-seat MP who resigned from parliament on October 1, 2026. She was linked to an unethical attack, looting and demolition a health centre in the capital. Minster Dipen Dewan of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon was also removed from his post and last State Minister Ishraque Hossain resigned on October 19, 2026 due to controversial anti-drug operation.

Under the present circumstances across the country, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed warming against extortion, intra-party divisions and lack of organizational capacity due to party leaders and activists. PM came with the statements at recent parliamentary party meeting held on October 11.

In addition, the ruling party chief also warned the party members against misconduct and instructed MPs to prevent abuse of power.

Gopalganj District BNP Committee Convener Sharif Rafiquzzaman told this correspondent that we are used to work together for the betterment of the party. As the district convener, I see no conflict of interest from our party leaders and activists, even MPs. 

Former Principal of Teachers' Training College principal Nirod Baran Majumder said the present state of politics in Gopalganj is disruptive and harmful for the people who wish peace and tranquility in society. Here criminals go unpunished, cases are charged against innocent people and the way the MP from Gopalganj-1 is doing is like playing tricks.  School and college management committees are being constituted by the whim of local MP Selimuzzaman Molla, together with factional party disputes are visible, nobody to see it.

MP Selimuzzaman Molla told the correspondent that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman allocated special development fund in Gopalganj so that this district remains aloof from development in the days to come. In his view, the present state of political environment is comparatively good. In time of Durga Puja festival the people of Hindu community were open to enjoy their religious rights. 

MP Dr. K M Babar told that he is used to giving time to fight for justice and working with district BNP leaders and workers together. He tries to addiction free human society and health care for all. In addition, he has denied the allegations against him.

MP S M Zilani after assuming office following the February 12 election, Zilani directed municipal authorities to immediately discontinue the practice. He also coordinates with district and upazila officials to ensure the law and order. The decision has been widely welcomed by van drivers, who described it as timely job that will help increase their daily income. Zilani said his priority is to reduce unnecessary burdens on working people across the constituency.