NCP MP confined in N’ganj factory after calling BKMEA president ‘fascist’s ally’

Abdullah Al Amin, NCP MP from Narayanganj-4, was confined for over two hours inside a garment factory in Narayanganj’s BSCIC industrial area after he allegedly called BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem a “fascist's ally” at a Jamaat-e-Islami event this evening.

The incident took place near gate 1 of the BSCIC area moments before iftar, said Abdul Mannan, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Model Police Station.

The NCP MP was rescued and taken into a police vehicle around 8:10 pm, said the OC, adding that police will take measures in this regard.

Witnesses said supporters of the BKMEA president, along with businessmen and workers, started gathering outside the factory building this evening protesting Abdullah’s remarks.

Russel Mahmud, member secretary of the Fatullah unit of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, was also present at the scene with his followers. Russel declined to make any comment in this regard.

Some men carrying hockey sticks and bamboo sticks were seen roaming inside the BSCIC area.

Kabir Hossain Bhuiyan, a director of the BSCIC Owners’ Association, said, “We came here at the invitation of Jamaat-e-Islami. We want to know who the MP referred to as a 'fascist's ally' during the programme. That is why we have taken our position here.”

To maintain law and order, a police team led by Additional Superintendent of Narayanganj Police Md Hasinuzzaman, was also present in the area.

During the confinement, MP Abdullah told this correspondent over phone that they were on the fourth floor of the building where the programme had been held and were unable to leave.

“Not only Hatem’s supporters, but Swechchhasebak Dal leader Russel is also standing downstairs with his men. I am not feeling insecure. Police are here, and members of the army and BGB have informed us that they are on their way,” he said.

The MP also alleged that some NCP activists were assaulted by the BKMEA president’s supporters after they arrived in the BSCIC area upon hearing of his confinement.

Afterwards, Abdullah, also a joint member secretary of NCP, told The Daily Star, “During the July uprising, Mohammad Hatem called the movement a ‘tandob’ [chaos]. We consider him to be a fascist’s ally. When Salim Osman, a collaborator of fascists, was the president of BKMEA, Hatem was the executive president. Had I known Hatem would be present at this programme, I would not have gone. I said in my speech that I could not share the stage with a fascist’s ally. After that, he came with his goons and tried to attack us. He also beat our leaders and activists.”

This correspondent could not reach the BKMEA president for comments in this regard, despite repeated phone calls.

Meanwhile, around 9:30 pm, a group of NCP leaders and activists brought out a procession in Chashara of Narayanganj, protesting the confinement of MP Abdullah. They also chanted slogans against Hatem in front of BKMEA’s main office.