UP chairman wishes to tackle murders himself, asks supporters to get ready with weapons

A video of a controversial speech by a union parishad chairman in Faridpur's Saltha upazila has gone viral, where he was heard instructing supporters to make weapons and taking responsibility for crimes such as murder.

Rafiqul Islam alias Rafiq Molla, chairman of the Jadunandi union parishad of the upazila, has been identified as the person making the controversial speech.

At a recent meeting held in the upazila's Uzirpur Bazar, Rafiq Mollah was heard telling his supporters to make weapons and that he would handle any “murder” himself.

Since the video went viral on Facebook, it has sparked intense criticism and panic among the general public across the upazila.

However, Rafiqul has completely denied the allegations against him. He claims that the video is being broadcast after being technically edited.

A political opponent is running this propaganda to tarnish his reputation ahead of the upcoming elections, he said, adding, "A van driver from my party was beaten up by the opponent's people and his van was snatched away. I have not taken any law into my own hands, but have taken the help of law enforcement and am trying to keep the area calm."

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Law enforcement and local administration are taking the matter seriously.

Saltha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Bablur Rahman Khan said that action will be taken after verifying the authenticity of the video and checking whether the chairman has made any such statements in the recent past.

On the other hand, Saltha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Dabir Uddin said that discussions are being held with higher authorities after seeing the video circulated on social media. If the allegations are found to be true, necessary legal action will be taken, including sending a show-cause notice to the accused chairman.