Barkat Ullah Bulu, Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has claimed that leaders of a newly-formed political party, emerging under the anti-discrimination movement, are lobbying government officials in various ministries, yet these activities are not being covered by the media.
Speaking at a divisional meeting in Cumilla, Bulu expressed his frustration with the lack of media attention on these matters.
During the meeting at the Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy on Thursday, Bulu raised concerns over the media’s silence on the lobbying activities.
He stated, “These new party leaders are lobbying everywhere—whether it’s with EXENs, chief engineers, secretaries, or other government ministries. But none of this is getting reported in the media. Why aren`t journalists covering this? We need transparency on these matters."
Bulu also highlighted the financial and material support that the leaders of this new party are allegedly receiving, adding,
"These individuals, who have openly expressed their desire to be with Sheikh Hasina until the grave, are receiving financial backing. Some have given 15 crore taka, others have provided cars, helicopters, and other resources to support this new party. But these stories are not being published in the newspapers or media outlets. Who are you protecting by keeping this information hidden?"
In a direct challenge to the media, he continued, "We want to know how much money has been given to Sheikh Hasina, and how much has been spent to support this new King’s Party. These are critical questions, and your responsibility is to report them. Why are these stories not reaching the public?"
The BNP leader further criticized the media for not covering certain controversial statements, saying,
"A group has been spreading the message that if you support Jamaat-e-Islami, you will go to heaven. This is the gravest sin for any Muslim. Why isn’t this making it to your news? It’s a serious issue, yet only the anti-BNP rhetoric gets published."
Bulu called on the media to reveal the names of those who have been financially backing efforts to safeguard Sheikh Hasina, stating,
"You should publish the names of the individuals who have provided millions of taka just to ensure Sheikh Hasina’s protection. We deserve to know who these people are."
Other prominent BNP leaders, including Cumilla Division Organizing Secretary Professor Md. Selim Bhuiyan, Assistant Organizing Secretary Mostak Mia, and Metropolitan BNP Convener Uttabadul Bari Abu, also addressed the gathering.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, such as BNP Chairperson’s newly appointed advisor Aminur Rashid Yasin, Joint Convener Syed Jahangir Alam, District BNP Joint Secretary Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, Metropolitan BNP Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu, along with BNP leaders from Cumilla, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, and Brahmanbaria.
