Whip Nizam Angry Over Own Party Activists' Grabbing and Extortion, Says 'If I Am Right, Why Won't They Be'

ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizam, MP for Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar) and Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, has expressed anger raising allegations of grabbing land, rivers and canals, extortion and brokerage at police stations against his own party's leaders and activists. Raising questions over these activities, he said: 'If I am right, why won't my leaders and activists be right?'

He made the remarks on Friday (November 13) evening while speaking to party leaders and activists at his own residence in Lakshmipur.

In his speech, Nizam said some in the party were getting involved in various irregularities including grabbing chars and selling grass for buffaloes. Although they do not admit these acts in words, in reality many are doing such activities. Now a decision has to be taken — whether these acts will be done, or not.

Warning the leaders and activists, the Whip said activities such as grabbing other people's land, rivers, canals and various places, extortion and brokerage at police stations are not acceptable in any way. Some are also trying to gain personally from their own leaders and activists. They must refrain from these activities.

Presenting his own political position, he said: 'I do politics for 16 to 18 hours out of 24 hours. Has anyone from Jamaat, NCP, Islami Andolon or Awami League said Nizam takes bribes? If there is no such allegation against me, then why will my leaders and activists commit these irregularities?'

He also said he has been trying to handle the situation since August 5. But he cannot control a section of the leaders and activists. Expressing frustration over this, he said: 'Why would I misbehave with you, why would I get angry, why would I expel you from the party? I could not stop anyone even by expelling them from the party. Will I now put them in jail?'

Bringing up former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in his speech, Nizam said leaders and activists had sloganned demanding her release. But the Whip commented that in the end she was freed through the students' movement. At the time he also raised the people's love and respect for Khaleda Zia.

The Whip also warned leaders and activists over the upcoming local government election and their interest in becoming chairman candidates. He said not everyone can become chairman just by wanting to. There must be acceptability and familiarity among the people. There must also be the mentality to accept someone as a leader.

Addressing the leaders and activists, he further said they must maintain party discipline rising above personal interest and the desire for posts. Alongside that, they must earn public support and people's trust.