In a controversial move, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reinstated the position of Mohammad Sahab Uddin, the Upazila President of Companyganj, Sylhet, who had previously been suspended over allegations of government stone theft and illegal land occupation. The decision was announced last Thursday in a statement signed by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General.
On Friday evening, Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, President of Sylhet District BNP, confirmed the reinstatement to Prothom Alo. According to the official notification, “All positions held by Sahab Uddin were suspended due to violations of party discipline and activities contrary to the principles and ideals of the BNP. Upon his appeal, the suspension has been lifted with effect from 1 January.”
Allegations and Key Events
The controversies surrounding Sahab Uddin date back over a year and involve multiple incidents of alleged misconduct. A summary of the key events and party responses is provided below:
| Date | Incident | Action / Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 11 August 2025 | Suspension by central BNP | Alleged involvement in extortion, land grabbing, and unethical activities |
| 13 September 2025 | Arrest by RAB-9 | Taken into custody over government stone theft case |
| 17 March 2025 | Government land occupation | Report published on alleged occupation of 150 acres of state land |
| 18 March 2025 | Eviction operation | Approximately 70 acres reclaimed; 100 stone crushers and 50 tin-shed structures demolished |
| 19 March 2025 | District BNP notice | Show-cause notice issued; three-member investigative committee formed |
| 10 April 2025 | Investigation report | Visit to Bholaganj stone quarry; report submitted with evidence of involvement of Sahab Uddin and family members |
Local sources indicate that the investigative report explicitly stated, “It was unimaginable that such unlawful activities could occur under the Upazila President’s leadership. The incidents have tarnished the party’s reputation and undermined its leadership.”
The reinstatement of Sahab Uddin has provoked mixed reactions within the BNP and the broader political landscape of Sylhet. While the party’s top leadership has described the move as a step towards “restoring internal discipline,” political analysts caution that even with reinstatement, the BNP must work closely with authorities and maintain vigilant oversight to uphold party integrity.
The case has also reignited debates about accountability and ethical conduct among political leaders, highlighting the challenges that parties face when balancing internal unity with public perception.
This version expands context, clarifies timelines, and emphasises political implications while keeping the reporting neutral and detailed.
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