A video clip showing women allegedly hired to participate in a Victory Day rally organised by the Jatiya Party (JaPa) in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and criticism. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, 16 December, in the afternoon.
According to local sources, the rally was part of the Jatiya Party’s annual programme to celebrate Bangladesh’s Victory Day. Like other political and cultural organisations, including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, the local JaPa unit mobilised a crowd for a parade from the party office to the Shaheed Minar, where floral wreaths were laid, before returning to the office.
However, controversy arose when a 19-second video surfaced showing a leader of the Jatiya Party in a heated discussion over payment with the women who had participated in the rally. In the footage, the leader can be heard saying that he had promised 6,000 taka for 60 women, but as only a smaller number of women participated, the party proposed paying 5,000 taka instead. Participants can be seen protesting, and voices demanding higher payments are audible.
The clip rapidly circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms, prompting online debate about political practices and the ethics of hiring participants to inflate rally numbers. Many netizens have expressed strong criticism in the comments, questioning the integrity of political campaigns and the exploitation of women for public appearances.
Attempts to reach Abdul Mannan Mondol, General Secretary of the Sundarganj Upazila Jatiya Party, for comment were unsuccessful. Local observers suggest that the incident could raise questions about transparency and accountability within local party operations.
Summary of the Incident:
| Date | Location | Event | Controversy | Key Figures |
| 16 December 2025 | Sundarganj, Gaibandha | Jatiya Party Victory Day Rally | Payment dispute over hired female participants | Local JaPa leader, Abdul Mannan Mondol (General Secretary) |
| Time | 12:45 p.m. | Rally begins from JaPa office to Shaheed Minar | 19-second video of payment argument goes viral at 2:00 p.m. | 60 women participants (allegedly hired) |
This incident has highlighted broader concerns over political mobilisation strategies, including the use of incentives to attract participants. Analysts note that such practices may undermine public trust and call for greater scrutiny of rally organisation methods.
As the Victory Day celebrations continue nationwide, this controversy serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, ethical conduct, and respect for participants in political events.