Independent MP Rumin Farhana was prevented from paying homage at the Shaheed Minar in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, late Friday night when local BNP leaders and activists allegedly disrupted the ceremony and tore the wreath she had brought. The incident occurred just before midnight as people gathered to observe Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.
According to eyewitnesses, Rumin Farhana arrived around 11:50 pm with several hundred supporters and was waiting to place flowers at 12:01 am. A group led by local BNP figures began chanting “fake fake,” triggering pushing and scuffling on the altar. Her wreath was torn during the confrontation, and several individuals were seen stepping onto the monument platform wearing shoes. She left the area under police protection without offering tribute.
In protest, her supporters blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway near Shahbazpur around 12:30 am, burning tires and causing heavy traffic congestion for about an hour. Police later intervened and assured legal action, after which traffic resumed around 1:30 am.
Rumin Farhana, daughter of language movement veteran Oli Ahad and MP from Brahmanbaria-2, said that as an elected member of parliament she should have been allowed to place flowers first according to protocol. She warned that failure to control local activists could damage both the BNP’s image and that of the government. Local BNP leaders said the party had its own decision regarding tribute arrangements, while police confirmed they are reviewing video footage to determine responsibility.
Rumin Farhana previously lost her BNP post after contesting the election as an independent candidate but won the seat with over 118,000 votes.
Source: The Daily Star
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