“BNP workers pushed me, it is very sad and shameful”: Rumin Farhana

A scuffle and commotion broke out between the two factions of the Brahmanbaria district BNP at the EC hearing on the draft boundaries of the 13th National Parliament election. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and other commissioners were present at the hearing, which began on Sunday afternoon as the first day. Around 1:15 pm, BNP leaders and activists for and against Brahmanbaria-2 and Brahmanbaria-3 constituencies got agitated and got into a scuffle.

In the 2024 election, the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency was formed on Sarail and Ashuganj upazilas, this time in 2025, Budhasti, Chandua and Harashpur unions of Bijoynagar upazila have also been added to it. In the case of Brahmanbaria-3 constituency, the district headquarters and Bijoynagar upazila were included, but this time seven more unions (Ichapur, Champanagar, Pattan, Dakshin Singarbil, Bishnapur, Char Islampur and Paharpur) have been added.

BNP's Rumin Farhana, who participated in the hearing, argued in favor of the draft. Other leaders opposed the draft and demanded that the three unions of Bijoynagar upazila be kept intact without including them in Brahmanbaria-2 constituency.

Expressing anger over the scuffle, Rumin Farhana said, "As a lawyer, I presented my case myself. But the candidate of Brahmanbaria-3 constituency and his supporters tried to push me away. This is very sad and shameful. Such incidents do not go with the seriousness and respect of the Election Commission. What has not happened in 15 years has happened today. If such a situation exists in the party before the elections, it is conceivable what will happen in the actual elections."

There was a ruckus outside the hearing and in front of the election building. The police brought the situation under control and removed a group of rabble-rousers from the gate. Water cannons were also kept ready for security.

The hearing will continue till August 27, where a decision will be taken on various complaints and demands regarding the draft boundary.