Chapainawabganj District Council Administrator Harunur Rashid sparked controversy after alleging that all current district BNP leaders are secretly affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami and did not vote for their own party during elections. He made the comments on Saturday while addressing a discussion and prayer event organized by the district Chhatra Dal to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Harunur Rashid urged the BNP chairperson to investigate the matter, claiming that those in leadership positions had supported Jamaat instead of BNP candidates.

When contacted on Monday, Harunur Rashid confirmed that he stood by his earlier remarks and declined to elaborate further. His comments drew sharp condemnation from district BNP leaders. Member Secretary Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Chinese) dismissed Harun’s claims as personal opinions, asserting that the current committee, formed in 2021 under Tarique Rahman’s direction, has been active in political movements. He countered that Harun himself had praised the ruling Awami League in parliament and was rejected by voters in the last election.

Other district BNP leaders also rejected Harun’s allegations, insisting that the party operates transparently and follows Ziaur Rahman’s ideals.