The language of mutual criticism among political parties has increasingly turned obscene and vulgar, triggering growing concern among ordinary citizens. Analysts note that while political discourse once centered on principled debate, ideological differences, and respectful criticism, that culture has largely eroded in recent times. In particular, the public use of obscene remarks, slogans, and comments involving senior leaders of major political parties has further inflamed the political atmosphere. Political observers warn that this trend is not only undermining political decorum but also increasing the risk of violence ahead of the upcoming national election.

Origin of the Controversy and Social Media Reaction

The latest wave of political tension erupted following allegations that an offensive social media post targeting women was made from the Facebook account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. After the allegation surfaced, widespread debate and criticism erupted across social media platforms. Several political parties and civil society organizations protested the incident, while rallies and demonstrations were held in different parts of the country.

Shortly after the controversy emerged, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman denied the allegation, claiming that his Facebook account had been hacked and that he did not post the content himself. According to his statement, hackers deliberately carried out the act to spread misinformation.

However, a significant section of the public and opposition political parties have expressed skepticism regarding this explanation. Many believe the hacking claim is being used as a convenient excuse to evade political responsibility—an argument that has surfaced in similar controversies in the past.

Blame Game and Counter-Allegations

Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists have indirectly blamed the BNP for spreading the controversy, alleging that elements within the party deliberately amplified the issue for political gain. The BNP, however, has officially denied any involvement in the matter.

The situation has since grown more complicated. In a counterreaction, some Jamaat and Shibir activists have been seen chanting obscene and offensive slogans targeting BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Such slogans were reportedly heard during processions and rallies in various locations, sparking strong reactions across the political spectrum.

According to political analysts, this cycle of blame and the use of vulgar language are deepening political divisions and escalating mutual hostility.

Erosion of Political Decorum

Veteran politicians and civil society representatives argue that there was once an unwritten rule in political culture to maintain respect when referring to senior leaders or party chiefs. While criticism was common, it remained within acceptable limits. That boundary, they say, has now collapsed.

Reckless remarks by some leaders and activists of major political camps, irresponsible statements on social media, and obscene slogans in public demonstrations are increasingly calling political ethics into question. As a result, public frustration and distrust toward politics are growing.

A senior political analyst based in Dhaka said,
“Differences of opinion are natural in politics. But personal attacks, vulgar language, and obscene slogans weaken democratic practices. Ultimately, the entire state suffers from this decline.”

Fears of Election-Centered Violence

Experts warn that if the current tension is not brought under control, it could lead to serious clashes surrounding the upcoming election. Once political hostility turns violent, it rarely remains confined to a single area and may spread nationwide.

Such a scenario would significantly increase the risk to lives and property. Past experience shows that ordinary citizens are often the primary victims of political violence.

Government’s Position and Measures

In response to the unfolding situation, the government has taken steps to maintain stability. Authorities have held multiple meetings with political parties, urging restraint and tolerance. Law enforcement agencies have also been placed on high alert to respond swiftly to any untoward incidents.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,
“Political differences are a part of democracy. However, violence and indecent behavior are unacceptable under any circumstances. We are fully prepared to maintain law and order.”

The Way Forward

Political analysts emphasize that responsibility ultimately lies with the political parties themselves. Party leadership must take firm action to restrain inflammatory rhetoric by leaders and activists alike. Ensuring responsible behavior on social media is also critical.

According to analysts, failure to defuse the tension at an early stage could lead to a far more serious crisis, affecting not only the election but also the country’s overall political stability.

Overall, the growing obscenity and hostility in political discourse pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s democratic environment. If restraint and responsibility are not restored in time, the cost may ultimately be borne by the nation as a whole.

With the national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 drawing closer, the electoral race in Sherpur-1 (Sadar) constituency has reached a fever pitch. As polling day approaches, campaign activities are intensifying across the constituency. Candidates are visiting fields, markets, villages, and neighborhoods in a determined bid to secure victory. This time, a triangular contest is expected in the constituency, making the electoral equation more competitive and engaging. In an effort to win voters’ support, all candidates are projecting a vision of building a “Modern Sherpur,” backed by a series of development-oriented pledges.

Election manifestos and public rallies are largely centered on promises related to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which remain the key talking points of the ongoing campaigns.

Education and Health Take Center Stage in Development Roadmaps

Highlighting Sherpur’s long-standing deprivation, candidates are placing top priority on the education and health sectors in their election campaigns. Addressing public gatherings, they are assuring voters that Sherpur will be transformed into a modern and sustainable district if they are elected.

Among the major promises made by the candidates are:

Establishment of a Full-Fledged Agricultural University:
Given the region’s agrarian character, candidates have pledged to establish a specialized agricultural university. They say the institution would create opportunities for higher education for local students and promote advanced agricultural research to boost productivity.

Establishment of a Government Medical College:
To strengthen the district’s healthcare system, candidates have promised to set up a full-fledged government medical college. According to them, this would help produce skilled medical professionals while ensuring better healthcare services at the local level.

Construction of a Modern Specialized Hospital:
Another key pledge includes the construction of a modern and specialized hospital to provide quality healthcare at people’s doorsteps. Candidates claim this would reduce the need for patients to travel to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment.

Commitment to a Terror- and Corruption-Free Sherpur

Alongside development pledges, candidates are also promising to build a safe, peaceful, and corruption-free Sherpur. Throughout their campaigns, they have assured voters that:

• Sherpur will be declared free from terrorism and corruption if they are elected.

• Political vendetta will be avoided, and development will be ensured through collective efforts involving people from all walks of life.

• Transparent and accountable governance will be established through regular engagement with the public.

Candidates repeatedly emphasize that the overall development of the district—rather than personal or party interests—will remain their top priority.

Voters’ Expectations and Ground Reality

While the ambitious development pledges have raised fresh hopes among voters, they have also sparked discussions and scrutiny regarding their feasibility and implementation. Many voters believe election promises should not remain mere rhetoric.

A local voter said,
“Every election brings many promises. This time, we want the elected representative to actually implement at least some of them.”

Final Push and Waiting for Verdict

As election day draws nearer, candidates are now fully engaged in last-minute campaign efforts. They are going door to door seeking votes, holding courtyard meetings and roadside rallies. Overall, a festive electoral atmosphere prevails across Sherpur Sadar.

Now, all eyes are on February 12, when voters of Sherpur-1 will decide who will wear the victory garland and represent them in the next parliament. Political circles in the area are closely watching the outcome of this triangular contest, which remains difficult to predict.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has termed Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s claim of his social media account being hacked as “mysterious,” questioning how an account could be hacked for such a short period of time.“Claiming that an ID was hacked for a brief time raises serious questions. This is indeed mysterious,” Rizvi said, adding that no one would remain silent if half of the population of society is portrayed in a distorted and derogatory manner.

He made the remarks on Monday (February 2) while addressing a protest rally organized by the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of the BNP central office at Nayapaltan.

Following the rally, a protest procession was brought out from Nayapaltan, which marched through Nightingale Mor and later returned to the BNP central office premises.

Rizvi said such comments about women amount to outright disrespect. “One can easily understand from such behavior how women might be treated in the future. Using religion as a political tool to target women is completely unacceptable,” he stated.

Referring to Jamaat Ameer’s interview with Al Jazeera, Rizvi criticized the remark that women could become members of parliament but not party chiefs. “Such statements are clearly discriminatory. Jamaat has never struggled for democracy or freedom,” he said.

Warning that women’s rights would be curtailed if Jamaat comes to power, the BNP senior leader remarked, “In some places, the most grotesque form of religious politics is being witnessed. As the ‘card of heaven’ has failed, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has resorted to making offensive remarks about women.”

He also alleged that a culture of mob violence has been created in universities. “There is a country where women’s education has been stopped altogether. Looking at their mindset, it appears they would attempt the same if they came to power,” Rizvi added.

BNP Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman also addressed the rally.

Among others present at the programme were Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas, General Secretary Sultana Ahmed, Joint General Secretary Helen Zerin Khan, Office Secretary Shahinur Nargis, Publicity Secretary Tahmina Afrin Nita, and central leaders of the organization.

Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Abbas is widely expected to secure a landslide victory in the upcoming national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, according to local residents and party activists. Owing to his long political career and consistent support for thousands of party workers and ordinary citizens, Mirza Abbas is considered to have a strong influence and broad acceptance across Dhaka.

Local voters say that while his rival candidate, Nasir Uddin Patwary, has made various statements and remarks during the campaign, Mirza Abbas has refrained from responding with harsh or provocative language. Instead, he has continued quiet grassroots campaigning and maintained close engagement with the people. His calm demeanor and record of public service have further strengthened voter confidence in his leadership.

A voter from the Shahjahanpur area said, “Mirza Abbas is a simple-minded and sincere person. He has never harmed the people. However, political conspiracies are being carried out against him.”

Another voter, Khabirul Islam, stated, “The BNP candidate Mirza Abbas has long been a victim of political conspiracies. False propaganda is being spread against him on social media, but such campaigns have failed to reduce his popularity. In fact, his public support is growing stronger.”

Local residents maintain that regardless of the extent of negative campaigning, Mirza Abbas continues to enjoy widespread popularity in the constituency. As a result, many believe he will win the election by a significant margin.

Profile and Political Standing

Abbas Uddin Ahmed, popularly known as Mirza Abbas, was born on February 7, 1951, in Dhaka. He is a Bangladeshi politician and businessman who has served as Mayor of the undivided Dhaka City Corporation and has been elected multiple times as a Member of Parliament. He is currently a member of the BNP National Standing Committee and a former Minister for Housing and Public Works.

Family Life

Mirza Abbas married Afroza Abbas on January 13, 1983. Afroza Abbas is the President of the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Women’s Party, an affiliate of the BNP. The couple has two sons and one daughter.

Professional Career and Social Contributions

Alongside his political career, Mirza Abbas has been actively involved in business. He began his professional life through the family-owned Mirza Enterprise. He later played a key role in the establishment of Dhaka Bank and was officially introduced as an alternate director in 1995, subsequently being appointed as a director of the bank.

His contribution to education is also notable. In 1980, he founded the Mirza Abbas Women’s College in Shahjahanpur, Dhaka, with the aim of promoting female education. The institution continues to play a significant role in advancing women’s education in the area.

Political Career

Mirza Abbas joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party soon after its formation under the leadership of President Ziaur Rahman and became one of the party’s early leaders.

During the 1980s, he played an active role in the anti-autocracy movement against the military regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad. He also served as a key organizer during the mass uprising of 1990.

In the fifth parliamentary election held in 1991, Mirza Abbas was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Dhaka-6 constituency as a BNP candidate. That same year, he served briefly as State Minister for Youth and Sports. He was later appointed Mayor of the undivided Dhaka City Corporation, a position he held until 1993.

In the controversial sixth parliamentary election of 1996, he was again elected as a Member of Parliament and served for a short period as Minister for Land as well as Minister for Housing and Public Works. However, he was defeated in the seventh parliamentary election later that year.

Mirza Abbas returned to Parliament after winning the Dhaka-6 seat in the eighth parliamentary election in 2001. From 2001 to 2006, he served as Minister for Housing and Public Works, during which the amended Building Construction Rules were enacted in 2006.

Due to legal cases and party decisions, he was unable to contest the 2008 and 2014 general elections.

Electoral Outlook

With decades of political experience, strong organizational skills, and a visible role in Dhaka’s urban development, Mirza Abbas remains a prominent figure in the capital’s political landscape. Local residents believe that his long-standing relationship with the public, social initiatives, and personal humility have strengthened voter trust.

“Mirza Abbas is not just a politician; he is a guardian figure who stands beside people in times of need,” said a local voter.

For these reasons, many voters are confident that Mirza Abbas will emerge victorious by a large margin in the February 12 parliamentary election.