Fake Press Release Sparks Row Over Nur in Gano Odhikar Parishad

The Gano Odhikar Parishad has come under pressure over seat-sharing arrangements ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, with deep divisions emerging within the party. Although an understanding has reportedly been reached with the BNP over a single constituency, a large section of the party is unwilling to accept the decision. The issue has triggered sharp internal discord, marked by counter-statements, allegations of organisational indiscipline, and even expulsions.

Amid this turmoil, a press release claiming that party president Nurul Haque Nur had been served a show-cause notice and temporarily relieved of his duties sparked fresh controversy. However, the press release has been confirmed as fake by the party’s Acting General Secretary, Hasan Al Mamun, whose signature appeared on the document.

In an audio message sent to the media on Friday, 9 January, Hasan Al Mamun said, “A press release bearing my signature is being circulated on various social media platforms, claiming that Gano Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur has been issued a show-cause notice and temporarily relieved. This press release is completely fake and fabricated.”

He added, “My signature has been forged in that notice. It has been copied from another document and placed on the party’s letterhead. It was not issued by us.”

Urging people not to be misled by the fake notice, the Acting General Secretary said, “This is the work of a planned group. Those behind it are not members of Gano Odhikar Parishad. A third party is deliberately spreading these rumours with malicious intent.”

Meanwhile, dissatisfaction and tension within the party have become increasingly visible in recent days over the seat-sharing issue with the BNP. Allegations that the party president unilaterally negotiated seat-sharing outside party decisions, the issuance of a press release under the office secretary’s signature, and his subsequent temporary suspension led to a day-long series of dramatic developments on Thursday.

Commenting on the matter, Abu Hanif, a member of the party’s High Council and its media coordinator, said, “As strong public support has emerged in favour of Gano Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and the party’s ‘Truck’ symbol in the Patuakhali-3 constituency (Galachipa–Dashmina), a vested group has become jealous and is spreading rumours in a planned manner.” He called on everyone not to pay heed to any such misinformation.

Party sources say that these recent confusing and misleading developments surrounding Gano Odhikar Parishad ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections have generated renewed discussion in political circles. The party has, however, urged journalists and the public not to disseminate any information without proper verification.

DBTech/FBO/EK/OR