Photo : TDM
A split of Bangladesh Gono Odhikar Parishad now looks inevitable as the political party, merely about 20 months into its formation, faces a critical juncture following a deepening rift between two of its top leaders – Dr Reza Kibria and Nurul Haque Nur.
As part of the escalating tension, former DUCSU VP Nurul Haq Nur, member secretary of the party, has been expelled from the organisation along with his ‘right hand’ Rashed Khan after another faction, led by Nur, removed Dr Reza Kibria from the position of Convener of the party.
The decision to oust Nur and Rashed was reached at a meeting held by Gono Odhikar Parishad in the evening on Tuesday. The expulsion order was signed by Dr. Reza.
Sources within the party said Nur's alleged involvement with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, along with various financial irregularities, were among the reasons that caused discomfort among the central leaders. The revelation of financial transactions between Nurul Haq Nur and Mossad has sparked extensive discussions and debates within the party.
However, Nur has not issued a clear statement regarding these matters, which has led to feud among the central leaders of the party.
Later, the central leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad held multiple meetings throughout the day. The meetings were attended by a majority of the members, joint secretaries, and leaders of the central committee of the party. Dr. Reza Kibria, who is currently staying abroad for medical treatment, participated in the meeting via video conference.
Earlier on Monday, the party removed Dr Reza Kibria from the post of convener and appointed joint convener Rashed Khan as the new convener. The decision was made during a meeting of the party's central leaders held on Monday night.
The ongoing chaos within the party has been fueled by a series of complaints and counter-complaints between Dr Reza and Nur, which have spilled over onto social media platforms.
The situation deteriorated further when Reza Kibria and Nurul Haque Nur issued statements against each other, labeling different allegations. The infighting has become a cause for concern within the party, prompting a meeting of the top leaders at Reza Kibria's residence in Dhaka.
However, the meeting failed to resolve the tensions as the two sides exchanged allegations and counter-allegations.
Sources from the party revealed that during Sunday's meeting, Reza Kibria accused Nurul Haque of maintaining communications with a neighboring country's embassy and holding a meeting with Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency. He also questioned the transparency of the party's funds.
In response, Nur accused Reza Kibria of regularly attending programmes organised by Isaf Kayem Committee, led by Farhad Mazhar and Shawkat Mahmud, alleging financial gain from these activities.
He also alleged that Reza Kibria was involved in different anti-state activities and maintained connections with members of different country’s intelligence agencies.
Despite the meeting on Sunday, no resolution was reached, and the following day, Reza Kibria traveled abroad, leaving the matter unresolved.
In Reza Kibria's absence, the leaders of Gono Odhikar Parishad convened another meeting, presided over by Nurul Haque. During this meeting, Rashed Khan was appointed as the acting convener of the party. Additionally, it was decided to organise a party council in near future.
Rashed Khan confirmed these to The Daily Messenger. However, doubts remain within the party about the possibility of resolving the dispute between the two leaders, and many members express concerns about reaching a resolution.
When approached for comment on the issue, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a presidium member of the ruling Awami League, strongly criticised the two leaders of Gono Odhikar Parishad, accusing them of being involved in anti-state activities.
Nanak expressed his condemnation and called for them to apologise to the nation for their alleged actions against the country.
"It is now evident, as clear as daylight, that they have been engaged in various anti-state activities. It is imperative that they take full responsibility for their heinous acts and offer a sincere apology to the nation,” he said.
Besides, Dhaka University law department Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, in a recent Facebook post, heavily criticized Reza Kibria. Nazrul emphasized that Gono Odhikar Parishad was formed through the sacrifices, struggle, and courage of Nurul Huk Nur, Rashid Khan, Faruk Hasan, and Hasan Mamun, asserting that Reza Kibria played no significant role in its rise and development.
Dr Asif also highlighted Reza Kibria's detachment and forced departure from Kamal Hossain's party, questioning his ability to fulfill the hopes and respect bestowed upon him by the country's youth.
Asif Nazrul expressed disappointment with Reza Kibria's non-political and immature remarks against Nur during various talk shows and events.
When asked to comment on the issue, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed his concern over the statements made by the top leaders of Gono Odhikar Parishad.
Talking to The Daily Messenger, Dudu said such non-political remarks are detrimental to the country and its democracy.
Dudu emphasised that political leaders who are actively engaged in the current anti-government movement to uphold democracy should exercise caution in making statements against each other.
TDM/SD
