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Residents of Shyamnagar in Satkhira-4 constituency have declared Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam “unwelcome” in the area following the circulation of multiple controversial videos on social media.
The controversy has sparked widespread protests across the constituency, with local residents staging a demonstration and a symbolic broom rally in the MP’s own parliamentary area.
The protest, organised under the banner of “Shyamnagar Conscious Citizens’ Forum”, was held on Wednesday (July 22).
Participants from different walks of life marched through the streets carrying brooms and photographs of the MP.
The rally echoed with slogans such as, “Shame on Nazrul, we cannot bear this disgrace,” “Where has the Banyan Force gone?” and “Shyamnagar is no place for the Banyan Force.”
Residents from various unions of the upazila, representatives of social organisations and people from different professions joined the procession, which marched through the main roads of Shyamnagar Bazar before ending in a human chain and protest rally in front of the Upazila Press Club.
Several protesters alleged that the public had been betrayed by an elected representative and demanded a fair and impartial investigation into all allegations.
Expressing solidarity with the demonstration, women’s rights activist Nurjahan Parveen Jharna said, “We want genuine security for women. Mere rhetoric is not enough. If the allegations are proven, those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.”
Padmapukur Union Parishad Chairman Amjadul Islam said, “People voted for change, but repeated controversies have left them feeling deceived. We demand a neutral investigation.”
Civil society leaders Principal Abu Sayeed and Ashiki Elahi Munna said the controversy initially began with photographs that were dismissed as AI-generated. However, they said the situation changed after multiple videos surfaced and the MP himself allegedly claimed the woman as his second wife in a Facebook post.
They further alleged that a video showing the MP being confronted by local residents had spread widely, damaging the image of Shyamnagar. They called on the political party concerned and the government to conduct an impartial investigation and take prompt legal and organisational action if warranted.
Speakers at the rally alleged that luring an underage girl with the promise of a job and engaging in a sexual relationship constituted an offence equivalent to rape. They said the allegations had tarnished the image of the Jatiya Sangsad and demanded that Gazi Nazrul Islam be expelled from Parliament and brought to justice if found guilty.
Members of law enforcement agencies remained on alert throughout the programme to prevent any untoward incidents. The protest concluded peacefully.
Repeated attempts were made to contact MP Gazi Nazrul Islam for comment regarding the allegations raised at the rally, but neither he nor any representative on his behalf was available for a response.
