Jubo Dal leader expelled for threatening to get KEPZ tender

A Jubo Dal leader in Chattogram has been expelled over allegations of threatening a foreign company to secure a tender in the Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone (KEPZ).

Abdul Karim, secretary of religious affairs for the Chattogram South District Jubo Dal, is accused of issuing death threats and threatening to shut down operations at American and Efird Bangladesh Limited.

In a press release issued last night, Jubo Dal central secretary Nurul Islam Sohel said Karim has been expelled from all party ranks, including primary membership.

It said Jubo Dal would not take responsibility for misconduct by expelled members, directing party members to avoid organisational contact with Karim. 

However, Abdul Karim denied the allegations, stating that he, along with BNP leader Elias Kanchan, had only visited the company to submit job applications on behalf of party members. He claims that political rivals fabricated these accusations to undermine them.

Earlier on 25 October, Elias Kanchan, joint convener of Anwara upazila BNP, was also expelled from the party over the same incident.

The dispute began on 21 October when American and Efird filed a general diary (GD) at Karnaphuli Police Station, claiming harassment and threats from Karim and Kanchan. 

Shegufta Goni, the company's deputy general manager of HR, alleged in the GD that the accused had repeatedly pressured him for a tender decision, threatening retaliation if it was not awarded by November. 

On 20 October, the manager reported receiving phone threats, and the following day, the accused reportedly entered the factory, verbally abusing him and his colleagues and threatening to shut down the facility.