Murder accused N'ganj BNP leader joins AL

A multiple murder-accused BNP leader of Araihajar upazila, along with several hundred supporters, joined the ruling Awami League on Monday night, much to the dismay of local AL leaders and activists.

Abul Bashar Kashu, former president of Gopaldi municipality BNP, was welcomed by ruling party lawmaker Nazrul Islam Babu into the AL with a miniature boat made of three tolas of gold and a flower bouquet at a rally held at Gopali Bazar playground.

MP Babu was the chief guest at the rally chaired by Gopaldi municipality unit AL president Abul Hashem.

Local AL leaders said Kashu is accused in a case for killing Bareq, brother of Araihajar upazila parishad vice chairman Rafiqul Islam, their cousin Badal, and local AL activists Faruq and Kabir in 2002.

Kashu was the president of Gopaldi union BNP back then and was allegedly infamous for criminal activities like extortion, abduction, robbery and murder in the area.

Alamgir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Araihajar Police Station, confirmed that Kashu is a charge-sheeted accused in the four-murder case.

Several AL leaders, who boycotted the rally, alleged that Kashu joined the ruling party to save himself from the case.

Wishing anonymity, they said through Kashu's inclusion, lawmaker Babu wants to increase his supporters and establish supremacy in the area.

The MP, however, claimed this was done as per Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's instructions to increase AL voters.

He declined to comment on greeting Kashu with the golden boat.

Shahjalal Mia, Araihajar upazila parishad chairman and the upazila AL president, said he was aware of Kashu's past.

“The case will go on as per the law. If he is found guilty, the court will punish him,” he said.

Despite several attempts, Kashu could not be reached for comment.