Extortion allegations against PM's photographer; BNP leaders send memo
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Allegations of abuse of power, extortion, and creating division within the party have been attatched to Khaled Hossain Parag, the personal photographer to the Prime Minister, in Pabna.
Top leaders of the Pabna District BNP have submitted a written memo to BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, demanding organizational and administrative action against him.
In the complaint posted on August 24, it was mentioned that Khaled Hossain Parag is misusing his official designation and government privileges. He is continuously attempting to exert illegal influence over various government offices in Pabna.
The complaint further states that using his position's influence, he has been extorting money from the local business community, threatening innocent people with lawsuits, and intimidating them with harassment through government agencies. At the same time, he is collecting money under the pretext of providing government jobs and favors, while putting undue pressure on government officials.
Stating that the complaining leaders possess adequate evidence of these misdeeds, the letter added that Parag's actions are also creating disputes with local journalists.
District BNP leaders mentioned that Parag had been warned multiple times regarding his activities, but he ignored the warnings. Instead, he is creating internal feuds within the district BNP and making disrespectful remarks against senior leaders on social media in violation of party discipline, which is highly embarrassing for the district unit.
The written complaint was signed by Pabna District BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, Member Secretary Maksudur Rahman Masud Khondoker, Senior Joint Conveners Abdus Samad Khan Montu, Abu Obayda Sheikh Tuhin, and Nur Mohammad Masum Boga, as well as members Mahmudunnabi Swapan and Mosabbir Hossain Sanju.
Copies of the complaint letter have also been sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and the Director General of the National Security Intelligence (NSI).
Meanwhile, on Monday afternoon, district BNP leaders handed over copies of the written complaint to media personnel during a press conference at the Pabna Press Club.
During the conference, raising allegations of abuse of power and defamation against Khaled Hossain Parag, the leaders sought the direct intervention of the party's high command and Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the Member of Parliament for Pabna-5 (Sadar) constituency.
At the press conference, senior joint conveners of the District BNP—Abdus Samad Khan Montu, Abu Obayda Sheikh Tuhin, and Nur Mohammad Masum Boga; members Mahmudunnabi Swapan and Mosabbir Hossain Sanju; Sadar Upazila BNP Convener A.K.M. Musa and Member Secretary Rehanul Islam Bulal; along with District Chhatra Dal President Kamruzzaman Prince and leaders and activists of various associate and affiliate organizations of the party were present.
When journalists present at the conference tried to ask questions regarding the allegations, the BNP leaders declined to make any further comments. Later, when contacted about the matter, Pabna District BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib refrained from making direct remarks, stating, "This is entirely an internal party and organizational matter. I do not wish to speak any further on this."
On the other hand, denying the allegations brought by the BNP leaders, Khaled Hossain Parag said, "I have no personal or political conflict with the Pabna BNP leaders. Why they are making me an adversary and bringing fabricated allegations against me is beyond my understanding."
He alleged that he has taken a stand against the irregularities and corruption of Shahadat Hossain, a controversial contractor in Pabna. Consequently, a faction taking unethical benefits from that contractor has joined forces to launch this false smear campaign against him.
