Over 100 Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders resign in Naogaon

More than a hundred leaders and activists from various district and upazila units of Gono Odhikar Parishad in Naogaon have collectively resigned, citing serious allegations against the central committee, including corruption, irregularities, breach of party discipline, and monopolization of power.

The mass resignation was announced at a press conference held on Friday afternoon at Parimohon General Library auditorium in Naogaon town. The leaders criticized the current leadership for disregarding the organization’s founding principles of ethics, morality, and political ideals.

Ebadul Islam, Vice President of Naogaon district Gono Odhikar Parishad, read a written statement highlighting the central leadership’s authoritarian approach, which has devalued grassroots activists who have long been the backbone of the movement. “Decisions are imposed unilaterally, ignoring the voices of the party’s rank and file,” he said.

The statement also alleged that recent district committee formations bypassed democratic processes. Despite a subcommittee being formed to oversee elections, its recommendations were ignored, and committees were announced without transparency. The Youth Rights Council, an affiliated organization, was accused of exerting undue control contrary to organizational discipline.

Financial irregularities were also cited, with accusations that committee formation involved monetary dealings. Local leaders are reportedly pressured to collect funds to host central leaders for events, a practice described as both coercive and unjust.

Leaders further condemned the persistence of old political practices despite the organization’s initial promise of new-age politics. They pointed to interference from the Rajshahi division’s top officials, naming Suman Kabir, Aminul Islam Masud, and SM Sabbir as central figures allegedly supported by higher leadership despite engaging in unethical activities.

In response to these issues, the resigning leaders declared their withdrawal from the PRC, emphasizing their commitment to political ideals and grassroots responsibility.

Shakib Khan, President of the Naogaon district Student Rights Council, rejected the recently announced district committee, criticizing the appointment of an unqualified individual as General Secretary based solely on nepotism. “We declare the current committee illegitimate and the PRC unwelcome in Naogaon,” Khan stated.

Leaders and activists from the Gono Odhikar Parishad, Student Rights Council, and Youth Rights Council attended the press conference, expressing their frustration and disapproval of the current committee’s formation.