Highlights
- A BNP leader in Cox’s Bazar accused of taking 2 lakh taka from an Awami League woman leader.
- He accepted the money while swearing on the Holy Quran.
- Video of the incident spread on social media, creating anger and criticism.
- Locals allege the BNP leader has a long history of crimes but always escapes punishment.
- BNP has started an internal investigation into the matter.
The Incident
In Cox’s Bazar city, a shocking incident came to light where BNP leader Nuruddin Khan Company allegedly took 2 lakh taka from Awami League leader Rozina Akhter in exchange for protecting her from political and police harassment.
What shocked people most was that Nuruddin accepted the money while placing the Holy Quran on his head.
A secretly recorded video of this moment quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and anger across the district.
The Allegation by Rozina Akhter
Rozina Akhter directly accused Nuruddin of betrayal. She said:
“প্রথমে ভেবেছিলাম তিনি আমাকে বিপদ থেকে বাঁচাবেন। কিন্তু টাকা দেওয়ার পরও আরও টাকার জন্য চাপ দেন। আমি রাজি না হলে হত্যার পর ঘরবাড়ি জ্বালিয়ে দেওয়ার হুমকি দেন। এখন আমি ভয়ে আছি।”
Translation: “At first, I thought he would save me from trouble. But even after taking money, he kept demanding more. When I refused, he threatened to kill me and burn down my house. Now I am living in fear.”
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Long History of Crime
According to locals, Nuruddin Khan has been accused of human trafficking, attacking police, snatching criminals from custody, extortion, and other crimes for many years.
Yet, they say he always managed to avoid punishment because of political protection.
One businessman said:
“নুরউদ্দিনের নাম শুনলেই মানুষ আতঙ্কিত হয়ে যায়। অথচ আজ তিনি কুরআন মাথায় রেখে টাকা নিচ্ছেন; এটা শুধু প্রতারণা নয়, ভয়ঙ্কর রসিকতাও।”
Translation: “People become terrified just by hearing his name. And today he is taking money by placing the Quran on his head; this is not just fraud, it is a dangerous joke.”
As soon as the video spread online, netizens expressed strong anger. Many called it religious dishonour.
Political and Social Impact
Locals say the scandal has created a huge uproar in Cox’s Bazar. Even BNP members admitted that the incident has embarrassed the party across the country.
Political analysts described it as a reflection of corruption in political culture, where saving or trapping people often depends on money exchange.
BNP Leader’s Response
When questioned, Nuruddin Khan denied the allegations, saying:
“আমি এলাকার সমাজপতি, বিচার-শালিশ সব আমি করি। আমার বিরুদ্ধে ষড়যন্ত্র করা হচ্ছে।”
“I am a community leader; I handle arbitration and justice. A conspiracy is being made against me.”
When asked why he accepted money by swearing on the Quran, he avoided the question, hung up the phone, and later promised to meet the reporter in person.
Police and Party Reactions
Cox’s Bazar Police OC Ilyas Khan confirmed they were aware of the video:
“Such an incident has come to our notice. But no one has filed a formal complaint yet. If a complaint is made, it will be easier to take action.”
Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar BNP President Rafiqul Huda Chowdhury said:
“We have already started an investigation. He will be served a show-cause notice. If he fails to explain properly, action will be taken against him.”
Source: Jugantor