Asaduzzaman Bablu, a brave BNP leader of Gangni Upazila in Meherpur district—widely known as the “Fatakesto of Gangni BNP”—has recently created a stir with his statement:
"Holding a position in a committee is not a big deal. The greatest achievement for us is that our national leader Begum Khaleda Zia has safely returned from London after receiving medical treatment with honor and dignity. That is more significant than any party position or title."

Bablu has spent over 15 years actively fighting against the previous autocratic government, during which he was charged in 34 different cases. Despite severe repression, he remained firm and fearless, breathing new life into BNP’s local politics in Gangni. He never compromised with the autocratic Hasina regime and was a constant presence in every anti-government demonstration organized from Meherpur to Dhaka, enduring police harassment, jail time, and nights hiding in fields to evade arrest.

A three-time elected Union Chairman of Saharbati Union and former General Secretary of Upazila BNP, Bablu now finds himself overlooked in the newly announced district BNP convening committee. Local BNP activists believe this exclusion is deliberate—engineered to sideline loyal and courageous leaders like Bablu. A growing rumor suggests that one must pledge allegiance to the current district convenor, Mr. Zaved Masud Milton, to be awarded a position in the committee. Many allege that this is not just hearsay but already evident in the composition of the committee, where most appointees are reportedly Milton’s loyalists, leaving out many veteran and sacrificial leaders.

In response, Asaduzzaman Bablu has launched a union-based grassroots campaign to connect with neglected party members and boost their morale. On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, he visited all nine wards of the Mathmura Union of Gangni Upazila, meeting with BNP activists—many of whom had been imprisoned or tortured during Hasina’s regime. These local leaders expressed deep frustration over being ignored in the current committee despite their past sacrifices.

One former army man and BNP activist from Ward No. 1, Mr. Milon, shared his bitter experience:
"During the 2018 elections, under Milton Bhai’s directive, I and my family members faced brutal attacks from Awami League supporters. My uncle Fakir Chand Bishwas remains paralyzed from the injuries. Despite our loyalty, Milton Bhai has not inquired about us even once since then. His followers now say only those aligned with him will get committee positions."

Another senior BNP activist, Md. Shahjahan Mia, said:
"I lost my BDR job due to my political involvement with BNP. I was tortured, falsely accused in six unknown murder cases, and jailed. My family lost everything. Yet, I was not given even a minor position in the new committee."

Zohurul Islam from Ward No. 5 said:
"I served jail time with Bablu Bhai during Hasina's rule and stood beside him in every party program. Still, I was not considered for any post, simply because I’m not on Milton Bhai’s side. Meanwhile, people who never faced jail, never faced cases, and were once Awami League supporters have now been rewarded with BNP positions."

In response, Asaduzzaman Bablu told the gathering:
"Our biggest position is that our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, is now free and back home. That is our greatest committee. When our leader Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh, that will be our real appointment letter. We did not fear repression during fascist times—why would we quit now, when we are freer than ever? Tarique Rahman has promised that in the future, only true, tested leaders—those who faced the most repression—will be given responsibility. Just hold on and stay united. Victory will be ours."

Bablu visited every ward, exchanging greetings with leaders and supporters. He also visited the home of ailing BNP leader Habibur Rahman in Ward No. 1 and checked in on veteran BNP member Chhaga Ali of Mohammadpur village, who was injured in an AL-led attack. He assured them of legal support and party solidarity.

The day's campaign ended at 10:30 PM. Bablu was accompanied by district Krishok Dal President Mahbubur Rahman, former Upazila BNP Senior Vice President Matiur Rahman Molya, District JASAS Secretary Sulery Alvi, former District Chhatra Dal President Nazmul Hasan, Jubo Dal leader Shohebul, and District President of Shaheed Zia Smriti Sangsad Md. Injamamul Haque Milon, along with several other BNP activists.

- Reporter: Injamamul Haque, Meherpur Zilla Correspondent