“Shoe necklace around Amir Hamza’s neck, protest turns extreme”

In Ishwardi, Pabna, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) staged a significant protest on Monday against derogatory remarks and the misrepresentation of the name of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, the youngest son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The demonstration saw active participation from local and district BNP leaders and activists, who voiced their outrage against Jamaat leader Mufti Amir Hamza.

The protesters engaged in symbolic acts of dissent, placing garlands of shoes around an effigy of Amir Hamza and throwing shoes at it, a gesture that added a dramatic new dimension to the local political scene. The protest march began at 7:30 pm on Saturday from the Railgate Central Bus Terminal in the town and proceeded through the main thoroughfares, concluding with a short assembly at the old rickshaw stand in the market area.

Despite challenging circumstances, BNP activists chanted slogans such as “Amir Hamza – Bidroho” with determination, publicly demonstrating their objection to the offensive remarks.

At the assembly, Zakaria Pintu, an independent candidate for Pabna-4 and former joint general secretary of the district BNP, addressed the gathering. He remarked:

“The BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ is not merely a political symbol; it resonates with the sentiments and national consciousness of the Bengali people. It is considered a symbol of the struggle for independence, not one associated with its adversaries. The way Jamaat leader Amir Hamza has misrepresented the name of the late Arafat Rahman Koko is completely unacceptable and incomprehensible. In protest of this despicable act, people have expressed their dissent by throwing shoes at his effigy. We hope such indecent and unlawful remarks are never repeated.”

The rally was attended by other notable local leaders, including former Upazila BNP president and freedom fighter Shamsuddin Malitha, former municipal BNP general secretary S.M. Thojlur Rahman, former organisational secretary Islam Hossain Jewel, and numerous activists and local residents. All expressed a firm stance against disrespectful and offensive behaviour.

The controversy stems from a viral video on social media in which, in 2023, Amir Hamza made objectionable comments regarding the late Arafat Rahman Koko. The video drew widespread criticism and was deemed offensive and socially inappropriate by many.

Summary of Key Details:

The protest has introduced a new level of political intensity in the area, particularly among young people and ordinary citizens, raising political awareness and encouraging critical engagement. Analysts suggest that such public demonstrations are likely to make political figures more accountable for their statements in the future.