Farida Yasmin threatens defamation case against Amir Hamza

Reserved-seat MP Farida Yasmin has protested remarks made by Kushtia-3 lawmaker Mufti Amir Hamza, accusing him of making derogatory comments about her and senior leaders of her party and warning that she may file a defamation case if her party approves.

Yasmin made the remarks after meeting local journalists at her residence in Bheramara of Kushtia on Tuesday (September 15).

She said elected representatives should maintain dignity and respect in their public conduct, particularly when speaking about women.

She alleged that Hamza had made “highly offensive” comments about her and her party’s leadership, saying such remarks were unacceptable.

She called for appropriate action through her party and said she would pursue legal action with its permission.

The dispute followed remarks Hamza made at a meeting organised by Daulatpur upazila Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday. He questioned the exclusion of elected MPs from an administrative meeting concerning the appointment of fertiliser dealers, while alleging that Yasmin had been included.

Hamza also highlighted the difference between his direct electoral mandate and the reserved-seat system, saying he had received 183,000 votes while Yasmin had not been directly elected by voters.

Other media reports said he also made remarks about her that prompted the allegations of derogatory comments.

The controversy has also triggered protests. Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Mohila Dal held a broom procession in Kushtia on Tuesday, condemning the alleged remarks and demanding action against Hamza.

Hamza’s comments on the fertiliser dealer appointments were also critical of the local administration, with him alleging that elected MPs were being sidelined in administrative decision-making.

However, his comments have not been independently verified.