A political controversy has erupted in Chandina upazila of Cumilla after a reception was organized under a party banner for an expelled leader. The event took place on Saturday at the Chandina municipal auditorium, where expelled upazila Jubo Dal convener Abul Khayer presided over the program honoring Cumilla-7 MP Atikul Alam Shawon. Shawon had been expelled from the BNP for violating party directives by contesting in the 13th national election, while Khayer had also been expelled earlier from the upazila Jubo Dal.

Local sources said the reception, held under the BNP banner, angered many party activists who questioned its legitimacy. Cumilla North Jubo Dal leader Borhan Uddin stated that using the party banner for such an event was completely against party rules. Another unnamed leader questioned how expelled members could organize a program under the party’s name.

Abul Khayer claimed he had permission from higher authorities but did not specify from whom. MP Shawon did not respond to calls for comment. The incident has sparked debate in local political circles about the validity of organizing a party-branded event for expelled members.