The joining of nine former and current Awami League–affiliated leaders and activists to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Kurigram has sparked strong criticism. Representatives of various political parties, student organizations, and civil society have described the move as the “rehabilitation of fascists” and a “betrayal of the blood of martyrs.”

The leaders formally joined the BNP on Saturday at the Kurigram district BNP office. District BNP Convener Mostafizar Rahman, Joint Convener Hasibur Rahman, and Member Secretary and BNP-nominated candidate for Kurigram-2, Sohel Hossnain Kaykobad, welcomed them with flowers.

Those who joined the BNP include former and current municipal Awami League councillors Anisur Rahman, Al Harunuzzaman Harun, Mostafa Kamal, Jamshed Ali, and Abdul Malek. Former reserved-seat women councillors Sahiron Begum and Mukta Begum were also among the total of nine individuals who joined the party.

Following the incident, widespread discussion and criticism erupted on social media. Many commentators questioned the BNP’s decision on grounds of political ethics.

Lokman Hossain, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Kurigram, said, “By bringing leaders backed by a fascist government into the party, BNP has shown political bankruptcy. This is a betrayal of the sacrifices of hundreds of martyrs and thousands of injured people.”

Mukul Mia, convener of the Kurigram district unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said, “Providing political shelter to controversial leaders effectively creates an opportunity to rehabilitate the fallen Awami League. This amounts to betraying the blood of those martyred in the July movement.”

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kurigram district unit also expressed anger over the development. District Secretary Nizam Uddin said, “We are ashamed that leaders of the fallen fascist Awami League, including an accused in the murder case of Islami Chhatra Shibir activist Rafiqul during the logi–boitha attack of 28 October 2006, have been given shelter in the BNP.”

However, the district BNP offered a different explanation regarding the allegations. District BNP Convener Mostafizar Rahman said that those who joined were not prominent or influential Awami League leaders. While a few had previously held posts, most had resigned from their positions before 5 August.