Bangladesh Gono Odhikar Parishad, which has been in existence for mere 20 months, is currently experiencing internal division. A faction led by Nurul Haque Nur has removed Reza Kibria from his position as the convener of the party, leading to escalating conflicts within the party’s top leadership.
In response to Reza Kibria’s proposal to remove Nurul Hossain Nur from his position as the party’s general secretary, Nur’s supporters have sent him a letter suggesting unrest. On June 20, Kibria had already expelled Nurul Hossain Nur from his role in the party.
Nur, who is the former DUCSU Vice President and member secretary of the party, and his followers have appointed Rashed Khan as the acting convener, replacing Kibria.
Allegations, Counter-allegations
The conflicting positions of the top two leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad have caused instability within the party, with opposition expressed towards each other on multiple occasions. Recently, Reza Kibria accused Nurul Hossain Nur of engaging in communication and meetings with a neighbouring country’s diplomatic mission and the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. Kibria also raised concerns about the party’s fund management.
Conversely, Nurul Hossain Nur accuses Reza Kibria of regularly participating in the activities of the Justice Establishing Committee led by Farhad Mazhar and Showkat Mahmud. Nur further alleges that Kibria is receiving funds for these activities.
On June 25, the leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, including the top two leaders, held discussions but failed to find a resolution. The following day, Reza Kibria left the country, and in his absence, Nurul Hossain Nur’s supporters convened a meeting on June 26, appointing Rashed Khan as the acting leader of the party. Following the publication of this news, a press release accused Reza Kibria and Rashed Khan of expulsion.
Currently, there is a proposal not to remove Reza Kibria from his position as the incumbent, but rather to suggest unrest, as mentioned in the letter sent to him by the opposing faction.
Ambassador of Palestine confirms Mossad meeting
On June 22, Yousef SY Ramadan, the Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, made a statement alleging that Nurul Haque Nur had held three meetings with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. According to the ambassador, Nur’s actions pose a threat to the security and stability of Bangladesh, similar to the concerns faced by Palestine. He challenged Nur to dispute the claims if he believed they were untrue.
Ambassador Ramadan emphasized that Nur’s alleged association with Israel goes against Bangladesh’s principles and the interests of its people. He recalled his 2015 warning that any relationship between Bangladeshi public figures or politicians and Israel could lead to political suicide.
The ambassador disclosed that the intelligence about Nur’s meetings with Mossad came to light during the World Cup Football in Qatar. He stated that photos were obtained showing Nur meeting with Safadi and that other meetings occurred in different countries, including the UAE and Qatar.
Addressing the government of Bangladesh, the ambassador urged them to take the matter seriously and investigate further.
Letter of “No-confidence”
On Monday, June 26, a letter signed by one-third of the members of the central committee was sent to Reza Kibria, proposing the motion of no confidence.
Muhammad Rashid Khan stated to a report, “According to the party’s constitution, if one-third of the members of the central committee agree, a motion of no confidence can be initiated against the chairperson or the general editor. Recent issues that have been raised in the media, including participation in activities associated with the Reza Kibria Insaaf Kaem Committee, have been explained.”
As per the constitution of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, in order to propose a motion of no confidence against the party’s chairperson or general editor, a written proposal signed by one-third of the members of the central executive committee must be sent to the chairperson and all members, including the general editor.
Within one week of receiving the proposal, the chairperson is required to convene an emergency meeting of the central executive committee. If the chairperson fails to call for the meeting, a floor session must be held to address the proposal. If two-thirds of the total membership present at that session vote in favour, the motion of no confidence against the accused person will be passed.
Expenditure of funding in question
Reza Kibria, who is currently in Cambodia, stated that the issue within their party arose when he raised questions about party funding and Nur’s alleged meetings with various intelligence agencies, including Mossad member Mendi N Safadi. He claimed that the sources of income for Nur and Rashed are unclear and speculated that they sustain themselves through extortion.
Furthermore, Reza mentioned that Nur had arrogantly declared himself as the chief of the party’s Probashi Odhikar Parisahd and had visited several countries, including Qatar, to raise funds for the party without disclosing the amount collected.
Reza explained that during an emergency meeting of the party held in Gulshan on the previous Sunday, he demanded an explanation from Nur regarding financial transparency, accountability, and his communication with anti-state intelligence agencies. However, the meeting had to be adjourned due to unforeseen circumstances. Following this meeting, Nur and his supporters have been attempting to divide the party, according to Reza.
Reza claimed that 75 percent of party leaders and workers, including senior members, are on his side. He stated that a decision has already been made to replace Nur and Rashed, and they plan to hold another meeting soon to announce the name of a new member secretary for the party.
Nur, on the other hand, refuted the allegations made against him, labelling them as false and fabricated. He accused Reza of bringing forth these accusations to conceal his own misdeeds, anti-party activities, and connections with various intelligence agencies.
Bangladesh Gono Odhikar Parishad was launched on October 26, 2021, with Reza Kibria as the convener and Nurul Haque Nur as the member secretary. The party’s mission is centered around restoring democracy, establishing justice, safeguarding the rights of the people, and protecting national interests.
