REMARKS by Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, a defeated Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate for the Kushtia-4 constituency in 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, have sparked criticism after he claimed that a former deputy commissioner of the district had been transferred at his party’s initiative.

He made the remarks on March 26 while speaking at a discussion marking Independence Day, organised by the district administration.

A video of his speech later circulated on social media.

In the video, Rumi alleged irregularities in the February 12 parliamentary elections, claiming that he was defeated by about 5,000 votes despite securing approximately 1,40,000 votes.

He attributed his defeat to what he described as ‘betrayal’ by certain members of the administration and individuals within his own party.

Referring to his political career, the 73-year-old leader said that he had been involved in politics for decades and had contributed to the country’s Liberation War.

Rumi also accused the then deputy commissioner, Iqbal Hossain, along with local administrative officials at Kumarkhali and Khoksa, of acting unfairly during the past national election.

He said that he had filed a case with the High Court, seeking a recount of votes, adding that the petition had been accepted and a hearing was scheduled for June 24. He expressed confidence that the outcome would be reversed.

Rumi said that the former DC had been transferred deliberately. ‘We arranged his transfer because the government is ours,’ he said.

The event, held at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium, was chaired by deputy commissioner Touhid-bin-Hasan.

Among others, district council administrator and former MP Sohrab Uddin, Kushtia superintendent of police Jasim Uddin, and freedom fighter Rafiqul Alam Tuku also spoke.

Rumi, a former MP and ex-president of the district BNP, contested the latest parliamentary elections for the Kushtia-4 constituency but lost to Jamaat-backed candidate Afzal Hossain.