“Mujib coat is in my house, neatly ironed and put away. If the Awami League returns tomorrow, I will go back to the Awami League. But right now, the Awami League is nowhere to be found. Votes have to be cast somewhere — staying at home is not an option. That is why I will vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” said Kazi Atiar Rahman Rabi, an Awami League activist from Kadami village in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur, openly declaring his political stance over a microphone and sparking widespread discussion.
He made the remarks late Friday night (January 9) while delivering the chairperson’s speech at a doa mahfil organized seeking the salvation of the late prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Rabi said many people questioned why he had joined the BNP despite being associated with the Awami League. “I joined the Awami League at Moyrar Math holding the hand of Musa Mia. But now there is no one from the Awami League,” he added.
Such statements from an Awami League activist have created significant political buzz in the area. After video clips of his speech spread across social media, it triggered intense debate and criticism.
The doa mahfil was attended by Anjuman Banu, wife of BNP-nominated candidate for Faridpur-1 constituency, Khandaker Nasirul Islam.
The event was chaired by Kazi Atiar Rahman Rabi and conducted by Upazila BNP assistant agriculture affairs secretary Abdur Rahman. Among others present were Upazila BNP organizing secretary Hasibuzzaman Shahin, Jubo Dal senior joint convener Jahur Iqbal Pintu Thakur, Jasmin Khan, central Chhatra Dal joint convener Sheikh Mousumi, central Chhatra Dal sports secretary Burhan Uddin Khan Soikat, and BNP leader Mintu Mia.
Commenting on the matter, Abdur Rahman told Jago News that it was inappropriate for Rabi to make such remarks on an open stage. “However, we understand why he said it. Kazi Atiar Rahman Rabi contested the Rupapat Union Parishad chairman election three times but lost by narrow margins. We feel embarrassed by his statement,” he said.
