A statement by Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, a former MP and defeated BNP candidate for Kushtia-4, has sparked widespread debate in the district. During an Independence Day discussion at the Kushtia District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Thursday morning, Rumi said that his group had intentionally replaced the previous district commissioner because, in his words, “the government is ours.” The remark quickly spread on social media, drawing strong reactions.

Rumi alleged that he would have won the election by a margin of 100,000 votes if it had been fair, but lost by about 5,000 votes due to the actions of some “traitors” in the administration and his own party. He claimed to have received 140,000 votes and accused the then district commissioner Iqbal Hossain and parts of the Kumarkhali and Khoksa upazila administrations of working against him. He said he has filed a case in the High Court, with a hearing scheduled for June 24.

The event, organized by the district administration and chaired by current DC Touhid-bin-Hasan, was also attended by local officials and freedom fighters. The remarks have stirred significant political discussion in Kushtia.