Defeated candidate’s threat to Kishoreganj MP sparks concern over govt image

Tensions erupted in Kishoreganj-5 (Bajitpur- Nikli) following an invitation to independent MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal to attend a Law and Order Committee meeting called by the upazila administration.

Reports allege that defeated candidate Syed Ehsanul Huda, contesting under the paddy sheaf symbol, threatened both the upazila administration and the MP for attending the meeting.

The incident took place on Thursday (26 February) at the Bajitpur Upazila Parishad.

Huda reportedly confronted the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) over not being invited to the meeting, escalating local tensions. Residents expressed concern that failure to control the situation could trigger unwanted incidents, potentially harming the government’s credibility.

Videos circulating on social media show Huda entering the UNO’s office, accompanied by several individuals with criminal backgrounds, including Puddar Mamun, Kiyum Khan Helal, and other local BNP leaders with pending cases. In total, 30–35 people were seen inside the office, while around 200 others gathered outside.

The group reportedly questioned why Huda was not invited to the Law and Order Committee meeting and challenged whether the presence of an independent MP alone could ensure local peace.

MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal alleged that Huda’s supporters have been threatening him in various ways since the election, both directly and indirectly. He further claimed that despite losing by a large margin, Huda has tried to influence the area by posting photos with ministers on social media.

Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal said, “Huda dissolved his party on 22 December and obtained the paddy sheaf symbol the following day. He joined the BNP suddenly, but local voters rejected him, electing me as an independent candidate. After the election, Huda expelled BNP loyalists who had supported him.”

He further said that during Thursday’s Law and Order and Coordination Committee meeting chaired by the UNO, Huda arrived with a group of influential and convicted individuals. At the end of the meeting, they allegedly directed provocative slogans and threats at the MP. Iqbal credited the restraint of his supporters with preventing major clashes.

Contacted, Syed Ehsanul Huda could not be reached for comment.

Local political analysts warned that failure to maintain political tolerance and administrative neutrality after elections could increase instability in the area. They urged all parties involved to act responsibly to restore normalcy.