Rajshahi, JUNE 04 (V7N)– Tensions are escalating within the Rajshahi District Truck and Covered Van Owners' Association as upcoming elections expose deep-seated internal conflicts. The long-standing dispute, which saw the previous committee dissolved and a new convening committee formed on August 30 last year, has now centered on contentious issues surrounding member and voter lists, fueling accusations of fascism and a flurry of lawsuits between the two factions.

The long-held dominance of the previous leadership, spanning from 2013 to 2025, ended after August 5. However, the subsequent disarray in the association's membership and voter lists has left one side feeling cornered ahead of the elections, while the other is in an uproar, decrying "fascist" tactics and threatening legal action. The heightened animosity has already led to heated arguments and scuffles, even within the police station compound, with both sides frequently making headlines and holding press conferences to hurl accusations at each other. Both factions are clearly desperate to gain control of the association, and local political leaders are reportedly indirectly involved, further intensifying the pre-election excitement.

A recent letter from the Rajshahi Divisional Labor Department, dated May 18, 2025, has further inflamed the situation. The letter announced the formation of a three-member election management committee to oversee the executive committee elections. This committee, comprising Golam Mostafa Mamun and Iftekhar Ahmed Doni as members, and Roknuzzaman Alam as chairman, was formed with one representative from each of the two conflicting parties. Md. Monirul Alam, Registrar of Trade Unions Director at the Rajshahi Divisional Labor Department, explained that the decision to hold elections with the consent of both parties was made during a discussion meeting held on May 14, 2025, following an initial letter on May 7, 2025. The election management committee was tasked with taking over all responsibilities from the outgoing president and secretary within five working days and organizing elections within thirty days, adhering to all rules and regulations.

However, a key point of contention arose from a clause in the letter which stipulated that the member list prepared by the previous executive committee would remain unchanged. This immediately reignited tensions, leading the aggrieved party to lodge both oral and written complaints with the labor department on May 19. A section of the owners' association believes that fair elections are only possible if the voter list is updated to include eligible owners who have been previously deprived of membership, fearing a repeat of "one-sided voting" seen in the past.

It has been revealed that despite there being over five to six hundred legal truck owners in Rajshahi district, the association's official member list has remained stagnant at a mere 128 for years. Accusations have surfaced that names were arbitrarily removed or added to favor specific individuals, leaving eligible owners unable to secure membership.

Since the "July-August uprising," the faction associated with the former president and secretary has been somewhat marginalized. However, the other party now perceives a "fascist nature" in the election process, as the door to increasing the number of voters or members appears to be closed. Helal Hossain, a former deputy general secretary, expressed concerns that if the election proceeds with the existing member list, it would be problematic, citing the 2022 general election where former president Abul Kalam allegedly gave the post of general secretary to Moklesur Rahman Mukul alias Hundi Mukul, described as a close associate of Awami League and former RASIK mayor Liton. Helal Hossain warned that they would boycott such elections if eligible truck owners are not inducted as members.

Al Amin Sarkar Titu, a potential presidential candidate, echoed these sentiments regarding the member list, stating, "If the election is held according to the previous member list, it will be an election similar to the fascist era. Which none of the ordinary bus owners want. We have appealed to the election management committee to make eligible bus owners members legally through a general meeting attended by all." The election management committee is scheduled to receive all documents from the previous executive committee tonight, June 1.

Members of the current convening committee have leveled various allegations against Abul Kalam, the former president of the expired committee. A faction of the owners' association has boycotted Kalam, labeling him an "accomplice of the fascist government." An "unexpected incident" at Boalia police station on March 15, 2025, revolving around Abul Kalam's arrest, further escalated tensions, resulting in heated arguments and scuffles between his supporters and those of the current convener and potential presidential candidate, Al-Amin Sarkar Titu. Both sides have since held press conferences, blaming each other.

In response to these allegations, Abul Kalam asserted, "I myself was humiliated and harassed during the previous fascist government. I have filed a case." He claimed he was forcibly dismissed from his position as Secretary of the Bangladesh Fertilizer Association on June 4, 2016, for not complying with the then-President of Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League, Khairuzzaman Liton. Kalam further stated that he continues to face legal challenges from a "false case filed by Awami League" on February 5, 2024, requiring regular court appearances. He also recounted an incident on July 27, 2024, where the then Divisional Police Commissioner summoned him, accusing him of providing financial assistance to BNP during the July student movement. He was detained for hours and released on bond only after his health deteriorated. Despite acknowledging multiple instances of harassment by leaders of the "fascist government," Kalam expressed disgust at being labeled an "associate," claiming it's a systematic attempt by a group to gain control of the association for their own interests.

Zillur Rahman, former convener of Shah Makhdum Thana BNP and former acting secretary of the Truck and Covered Van Owners Association, stated, "We know that former president Abul Kalam does BNP politics. Kalam has been framed in a false and planned case to take over the association. I have heard that he will run for the post of president again in the next election."

However, Assistant Director of the Rajshahi Divisional Labor Department, Mizanur Rahman, clarified the legal position: "Once the term of the executive committee expires, there is no opportunity to include any new members or increase the number of members. Everyone must follow the labor and trade union laws. There is no scope to go beyond the law. However, after the election, the new executive committee can start the activities of including members subject to compliance with the rules and regulations. Then there will be no legal obstacles."

END/RAR/RH/