BNP leader claims chanting Zia’s name ensures entry to heaven

Kamrul Huda, Joint Convener of Comilla South District BNP and Chauddagram Upazila unit BNP President, has sparked controversy by claiming that taking the name of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman daily ensures a place in heaven.

His remarks, made at the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's founding anniversary programme at the Chauddagram Upazila Central Eidgah ground on Wednesday (January 1) afternoon, have gone viral on social media.

In the circulating video, Kamrul Huda can be heard saying: "A group goes around handing out certificates for heaven. If you take the name of martyred President Ziaur Rahman every day, you’ll be sure of heaven, I believe. He didn’t deceive the people or harm the soil of this country."

At the same event, Kamrul Huda accused members of the Sheikh family, including Sheikh Selim and Sheikh Helal, of looting the country.

"No one from the Sheikh family is a freedom fighter. How can the Awami League claim the spirit of the liberation war without fighting? After the 1996 elections, many Awami League members applied and became freedom fighters. Sheikh Hasina fled with 350 ministers and MPs."

He also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami leaders in the area, alleging that they had relied on BNP for power in the past and directed his party activists to prepare 200 sticks per polling center for the next election.

When questioned about his statement, Kamrul Huda defended his remarks by referencing Ziaur Rahman’s contributions: "Ziaur Rahman planted several neem trees in Makkah for the benefit of pilgrims. That is why I said taking his name could lead to heaven. Am I wrong?"