Remarks on Bangabandhu: Katakhali mayor sued in 3 cases in Rajshahi

Days after the Gazipur City Corporation mayor's incident involving Bangabandhu, three cases have been filed against Katakhali Municipality Mayor Abbas Ali of Paba upazila in Rajshahi – including one under the Digital Security Act -- for making similar comments.

The three complaints were lodged with Boalia, Rajpara and Chandrima police stations, respectively. Boalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nibaran Chandra Barman confirmed the matter to The Daily Star.

"Two of the complaints were filed by Rajshahi City Ward-2 councillor and a local Jubo League leader. While the DSA case was filed by Ward-13 Councillor Abdul Momin," reports our local staff correspondent quoting the OC.

Since Sunday night, an audio clip reportedly of the mayor has been making rounds on social media, drawing widespread criticism.

"I am not allowing the construction of a mural of Bangabandhu… it is not right as per the Islamic Shariah laws. I will do whatever it takes to stop it," Abbas was heard saying in the video clip.

"It will be a sin if I allow construction of Bangabandhu's mural. I know my political career will end if what I am talking is exposed, but I am not blind," he was heard saying.

This morning, protests were held on the streets of Rajshahi city, Paba upazila, and Katakhali municipality.

The clip was about a town beautification project of Katakhali municipality that includes the construction of a roadside mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Another audio clip was also being circulated where Abbas was allegedly heard demeaning the party's new presidium member and Rajshahi City Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton.

The Paba upazila unit of Awami League, in an emergency meeting, removed him from his post as the convener of the municipality unit.

A few days ago, Gazipur City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Zahangir Alam was expelled from the party for his controversial comments on Bangabandhu and the Liberation War martyrs.

The upazila unit also served Abbas a show-cause notice asking him to reply within three days as to why he should not be expelled from the party.

Protesting Abbas's speeches in the clips, AL activists, its associated bodies and freedom fighters staged protests demanding Abbas's expulsion from the party.

When contacted, Kalakhati Municipality Mayor Abbas Ali denied the allegations and said the voice in the audio clip did not belong to him.

"I have never talked like that in the audio clip to anyone. It is a conspiracy against me," he said without providing any more details.