Pabna, August 7 (V7N) – A recent gathering hosted by BNP's preliminary nominee for Pabna-3 and President of the Krishak Dal, agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin, has sparked criticism both on social media and within the party after several Awami League leaders were reportedly present at the event.
 
On the morning of July 29, Hasan Zafir Tuhin held a meeting with local residents at his home in Bothor village under Bilchalan Union of Chatmohar Upazila. Though the event was described as a casual exchange with neighbors, images and attendee lists shared on social media triggered immediate controversy due to the reported presence of several leaders from the ruling Awami League.
 
A Facebook post from a page titled “Shironamhin Rajneeti” included photos from the gathering and identified several attendees with known affiliations to the Awami League, including Abdul Kuddus, Organizing Secretary of Bilchalan Union AL, Kingkar Saha, General Secretary of Ward No. 7 AL, Ratan Thakur, Vice President of the Union Krishak League, Palo Mia, Joint Secretary of the Upazila Jubo League, and Toizal Hossain, brother of the Union Jubo League General Secretary.
 
Following the post, an online storm erupted. BNP supporters and local leaders expressed anger and concern, accusing Tuhin of attempting to absorb ruling party affiliates into BNP ranks. Several Facebook users voiced strong disapproval, with comments suggesting that the event resembled a “rehabilitation festival” for Awami League figures rather than a community outreach effort.
 
HM Rubel commented, “He’s a central leader, not knowing everyone is understandable. But what are the local leaders doing? That’s the real question.” Sohag Rana added, “The local leadership seems eager to rehabilitate the Awami League.” Others echoed similar sentiments, warning of long-term damage to party morale and unity.
 
Former Chatmohar Upazila BNP Convener and ex-Upazila Chairman, Hasadul Islam Hira, accused Tuhin of bypassing party principles. “Our party line is clear—no affiliation or shelter for Awami League members within BNP. Yet Tuhin, despite being a senior leader, has formed committees under Krishak Dal with Awami League activists. This is an insult to our movement and a disgrace to the party. The central leadership must decide what action to take.”
 
Former MP of Pabna-3, KM Anwarul Islam, called the situation “deeply disappointing,” stating that such conduct damages the party’s reputation and sends the wrong message to voters. “We must be more careful going forward,” he added.
 
In response, Hasan Zafir Tuhin defended his actions, stating that the meeting was non-political in nature. “I invited my neighbors for breakfast. It was not a political program. There were BNP, Jamaat, Mahila Dal members, and perhaps a few Awami League sympathizers too. But no major Awami League leaders were present.”
 
Tuhin insisted that the gathering was purely social. “These are my neighbors. I asked them to pray for me as I begin campaigning in this constituency. There were no speeches, no political agenda. To attack me for meeting with my own community is part of a dirty political game. We’re reaching out to all voters, regardless of party affiliation.”
 
He added, “Am I supposed to ask people what party they belong to before shaking hands or seeking votes? That’s not how democratic politics works.”
 
Despite his clarification, the controversy highlights internal rifts within BNP’s local structure in Pabna-3 and raises broader concerns about vetting candidates and maintaining ideological consistency ahead of the next national election.
 
End/MSR/SMA/