Discussion Meeting Held in Paharpur, Organized by BNP's Arefin Siddique Johnny

Nuruzzaman Liton, Staff Reporter:

A leaflet distribution and discussion meeting were held at the historic Paharpur in Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon, organized by supporters of Parvez Arefin Siddique Johnny and residents of Paharpur Union. Johnny is the son of former Deputy Speaker and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Naogaon-3 (Badalgachhi–Mahadevpur) Akhtar Hamid Siddiqui, and a prospective BNP candidate. The event aimed to implement and publicize the 31-point framework for state reform announced by BNP's acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman.

The discussion meeting and leaflet distribution program were held on Monday, October 13, at 4 p.m. at the Paharpur Adivasi High School grounds. Before the meeting, a procession of leaders and activists, chanting "Sheaf of Paddy" slogans, paraded through the historic Paharpur market.

The chief guest at the event was Md. Jahangir Chowdhury, a veteran leader of Badalgachhi Upazila BNP. In his speech, he called upon activists at all levels to remain united and aware to implement the BNP's announced 31-point program. At the end of the meeting, he announced the names of Md. Motiyar Rahman Master as the convener and Golam Hasar H as a member of the Paharpur Union Election Steering Committee.

The chief speaker was Md. Alam Khan, a member of the Naogaon District Branch of Bangladesh Nationalist Jubo Dal. In his address, he questioned, "If it is possible to go to heaven by voting for the 'Scales' [a political symbol], then why were Golam Azam, Nizami, and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed sent to hell?" Addressing BNP leaders and activists, he stated, "Those who commit injustice, hand them over to the law. Our politics is about staying on the path of justice and ideals."

Md. Mosaraf Hossain, former general secretary of Paharpur Union BNP, said, "We are always obedient to the party's decision. We will work for whoever gets the party's nomination. In the last election, Johnny Bhai was very close to winning by a huge margin. Therefore, we believe he will receive the nomination again this time."

Md. Motiyar Rahman Master, former general secretary of the historic Paharpur Union Jubo Dal and headmaster of Shahapur High School, said, "We believe in the ideals of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman. We will not commit injustice, nor will we tolerate it. BNP will come to power and transform Bangladesh into a self-reliant and developed nation—Insha'Allah."

Golam Hasar H, Vice President of Zia Cyber Force, Badalgachhi Upazila Branch, said, "The support of the people can be won through love and ideals, not through coercion. Parvez Arefin Siddiqui Johnny Bhai is leading this constituency until the nomination is finalized in the upcoming election. He has said, 'This country belongs to the youth.' Therefore, resistance must be built against injustice and oppression."

The speakers further stated, "A certain group is confusing people by misinterpreting religion. Only Allah is the owner of Paradise, so no one should be misled by the provocations of these charlatans."

Special guests at the event included:

 * Md. Mosaraf Hossain, Former General Secretary, Paharpur Union BNP.

 * Md. Motiyar Rahman, Former General Secretary, Paharpur Union Jubo Dal.

 * Md. Alamgir Morshed, Former Vice President, Paharpur Union BNP.

 * Golam Hasar H, Vice President, Zia Cyber Force, Badalgachhi Upazila Branch.

 * Fazlul Haque Master, Retired Teacher, Jamalganj High School.

Also present were Alam Master, Mukul Master, Sakhawat Hossain, Amina Member, Firoz Amin, Shimu Member, along with numerous local BNP and front organization activists and dignitaries.

At the conclusion of the event, the attending leaders pledged to remain united for the realization of the BNP's policies and ideals in the upcoming national election.