Dhaka, Feb 27 (V7N) –BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu has apologized for his recent statement, which said that one has to perform an ablution before pronouncing the name Tarique Rahman.
He expressed regret for the remark in a press release posted on the official Facebook page of the BNP media cell on Wednesday.
In the statement, Bulu clarified: "As the opening speaker at the Comilla Metropolitan BNP conference and council program, I unintentionally said: 'If you want to pronounce the name of Tarique Rahman, you have to perform ablution.' It was not appropriate to make such a remark in my speech."
He further said: "My sudden comment has hurt the feelings of party leaders, activists, supporters, and well-wishers. I deeply regret this mistake and take full responsibility."
Bulu's comment, made at the Comilla Metropolitan BNP biennial conference on Tuesday, sparked widespread criticism on social media and in the media landscape.
The remark drew backlash not only from opposing political parties but also from BNP supporters.
The controversial statement
During the event, Bulu had stated: "For the past few days, some elected officials have been making remarks about leadership. They question whether the son of President Ziaur Rahman should also be a leader. To them, I say: Tarique Rahman is the worthy son of Ziaur Rahman, the son of the chairperson of the largest political party in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman is Zia’s successor. If you want to pronounce his name, you will have to perform ablution. Tarique Rahman is the undisputed leader of Bangladesh. He will return to the country."
The statement drew immediate criticism, prompting Bulu to issue a swift apology.
Party insiders said BNP leadership distanced itself from the remark, emphasizing that such statements do not reflect the party’s official stance.
END/MSS/AJ
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