Md. Ipaz Khan Madhabpur (Habiganj) Correspondent:

A huge uproar has been created in the local political arena over the anti-drug awareness program organized at Chaumuhani Khurshid High School and College in Madhabpur, Habiganj. Last Sunday (November 16), the program was held under the chairmanship of the institution's principal and Upazila Awami League's Activities and Youth Affairs Secretary Mohan Mia. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Madhabpur Police Station Md. Shahidullah was present as the chief guest. Upazila BNP Organizing Secretary and UP Chairman Mahbubur Rahman Sohag and several other BNP leaders were present on the same stage. The presence of representatives of the ruling party, almost opposition parties and police administration on the same stage has given rise to a lot of discussion and criticism on social media.

Principal Mohan Mia is also known in the area as a close friend of former minister Advocate Mahbub Ali and Awami League leader Raham Ali. A new controversy has arisen as his old photos with political identities have gone viral again. A section of the locals allege that he was so loyal to the Awami League in the past that when independent MP Barrister Saidul Haque Sumon visited his college, he was not given a proper reception and did not receive a protocol even after becoming an MP. Along with this, another section claims that allegations of irregularities, corruption, abuse of power and arbitrariness are also raised occasionally in the management of the college.

However, supporters claim that Mohan Mia was the only leader in the upazila who had previously openly carried out party activities and maintained good relations with various parties. Meanwhile, the presence of the OC, BNP leader and Awami League leader on one stage has led to different reactions in the public mind. Some believe that politics is not the main issue in the anti-drug program, while others are raising the question - has the administration maintained its neutrality?

When contacted, some BNP leaders refused to comment on this issue.

Some said that the Awami League had used him in the past. Currently, BNP leaders are taking advantage of him. The story is the same everywhere.

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing criticism and discussion, Principal Mohan Mia has made his position clear. He said, “I used to be a party member due to environmental conditions. I am not involved in any crime or illegal activities. Doing politics is not bad. Awami League is not a banned organization. I am fulfilling my duty as a teacher.”

This program held at Chaumuhani Khurshid High School and College and the presence of AL leaders, OCs and BNP leaders on the same stage are still being widely discussed across Madhabpur.

The picture shows Awami League leader and Principal Mohan Mia, OC Md. Shahidullah and BNP leader Mahbubur Rahman Sohag on the same stage — with the viral Facebook screenshot next to it.