Barrister Rumeen Farhana, the Member of Parliament representing Brahmanbaria-2, encountered obstacles and physical aggression while attempting to lay a wreath at the Sarail Shaheed Minar on International Mother Language Day’s early hours.
Following the altercation between 12:30 am and 1:30 am, her supporters staged a blockade on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway.
Addressing local reporters, she recounted, “In my role as a parliamentarian, I was scheduled to lay the first wreath at 12:01 am. However, a group of BNP supporters initiated an assault. I was forcibly removed, creating a situation where I could have been seriously harmed.”
Expressing concern, she warned, “After a 17-year hiatus, BNP has come back into power. Unless the party swiftly reins in its members at the grassroots level, the repercussions could be severe.”
Characterizing the incident as premeditated, she alleged that the local BNP leaders were absent, and a notorious local figure orchestrated a group of rowdy youth to carry out the attack.
Rumeen tied the incident to political animosity, suggesting that her win as an independent candidate had stoked animosity among her adversaries.
Highlighting the precarious law and order environment, she remarked that while the police attempted to intervene, a handful of officers could not quell the chaos when ruling party affiliates unleashed violence.
Seeking redress, she affirmed, “I am determined to seek justice and have already lodged a legal complaint.”
