State Minister Expresses Regret After Controversy Over Kicking BNP Party Activist

State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Rajib Ahsan has come under criticism following allegations that he kicked a fellow Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activist during a party procession. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, sparking controversy. However, the state minister reportedly contacted the activist the following day to express his regret, according to Shafiqul Islam Shafik, the individual involved in the incident.

Speaking to a news outlet on Thursday evening (November 12), Shafik said the incident occurred during a BNP procession organised on November 7 to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day. He confirmed that Rajib Ahsan called him on November 8 to express regret over the incident.

Shafiqul Islam is an activist of the Lalbagh unit of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, the BNP's volunteer wing.

According to Shafik, several participants were attempting to take photographs during the procession, disrupting the programme's orderly conduct. Rajib Ahsan repeatedly instructed them to stop taking pictures before the alleged kicking incident occurred.

Viral Video Sparks Widespread Criticism

A 10-second video of the incident began circulating on Facebook on November 8. According to published reports, the footage appeared to show Rajib Ahsan extending his leg and striking a party activist, prompting widespread discussion and criticism across social media platforms.

Following the video's circulation, several pro-BNP Facebook pages claimed that the footage had been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

However, subsequent verification reportedly confirmed the incident's authenticity through the identification of a procession banner and statements from two senior leaders of the Dhaka North unit of Swechchhasebak Dal.

Rajib Ahsan currently serves as a state minister while also holding the position of general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal.

Incident Raises Concerns Within Party and Government

According to the report, the state minister's alleged conduct towards a party activist has also caused unease within the BNP and the government.

A state minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, reportedly described the incident as embarrassing for both the party and the government.

Nazrul Islam Noman, former general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Swechchhasebak Dal, also expressed surprise over the incident.

He said such behaviour was unexpected from an experienced political leader like Rajib Ahsan, although he acknowledged that the incident might have been unintentional.

When asked whether the BNP planned to take disciplinary action against Rajib Ahsan, party Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu declined to comment.

What the Activist Said About the Incident

Despite the controversy, Shafiqul Islam Shafik said he did not wish to lodge a complaint against the state minister. Instead, he viewed the incident in the context of efforts to maintain discipline during the procession.

Shafik said he had been involved in politics since the political developments surrounding the January 11, 2007, emergency, commonly known as One-Eleven. He added that he had been actively participating in Swechchhasebak Dal activities for nearly a decade.

He also claimed that three cases had been filed against him during the Awami League government's tenure.

Shafik further revealed that following the public controversy, his family members had advised him to remain cautious in his daily movements.

The BNP procession marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day took place on November 7. It began in front of the party's central office in the capital's Nayapaltan area and concluded at Manik Mia Avenue.

According to individuals familiar with the matter, the incident occurred during that procession.