“I removed the OC from his chair within two hours... moved an army major from here within two hours. Some people say I became an MP through votes. I say I did not become an MP through votes alone; I also became an MP through power. So, do not come here showing power. In return, five lakh people will show their power.”

Shafiqul Islam Masud, Jamaat-e-Islami MP of Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal) constituency made the comments during a programme held in front of the Suryamoni Union Parishad office in Patuakhali's Bauphal on Saturday afternoon, while speaking as chief guest.

A video of his speech later went viral on social media, triggering widespread reactions.

During the programme, the lawmaker also spoke about his political background and past activities. At the event, he responded to various comments made about him and his family members on social media.

Masud, also a central Majlis-e-Shura member of Jamaat, said, “Are you kidding me? The people of Bauphal do not need to be told who Shafiqul Islam Masud is. Go ask Sheikh Hasina. Find out who Masud was at Rajshahi University. Ask the biggest gangster there.

“Do not talk nonsense and make me angry. You will not be able to handle it.”

Referring to the development initiatives undertaken by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Masud said infrastructure development alone was not enough to keep Hasina in power. “People had no rights. Without guaranteeing rights and freedom of expression, trust cannot be earned through infrastructure alone.”

Following the circulation of the video on social media, the speech drew mixed reactions from sections of society. While many criticised specific parts of the remarks, others urged people to consider the full context of his speech.

Contacted for comments, Masud said false and offensive remarks had been made online about his late father, father-in-law and wife. He said some of his comments, during the speech, were made in response to those social media attacks. However, he added that the positive aspects of his speech should also be highlighted.

The programme was chaired by Mojibur Rahman Bachchu, ameer of Suryamoni union Jamaat-e-Islami. Local political activists, supporters and people from different walks of life had attended the event.