Mohammad Koysor Ahmed, BNP candidate for the Sunamganj-3 (Shantiganj and Jagannathpur) constituency, has come under fire following viral social media allegations regarding a multi-million taka “nomination trade.”
The controversy involves claims that Koysor Ahmed, the former general secretary of UK BNP, embezzled a significant sum from a US-based BNP activist by promising to secure a parliamentary nomination.
The allegations have caused considerable embarrassment among senior BNP leaders and grassroots supporters, particularly as they surfaced just days before the national election.
While some social media posts have attempted to link BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to the controversy, claiming his name was used to facilitate the trade, the party has yet to issue an official response.
Koysor Ahmed could not be reached for comment, though associates stated he is currently occupied with election campaigning in Sunamganj-3.
The alleged financial transaction
Aminul Islam Mithu, a BNP activist residing in the United States, has alleged that Koysor Ahmed took an advance of Tk65 lakh from him. Mithu claimed the payment was part of a Tk3 crore agreement to guarantee him the BNP nomination for the Rajshahi-6 (Charghat and Bagha) constituency.
Despite the payment, Mithu failed to secure the nomination, and he alleges that the money has not been returned.
Mithu, a businessman with multiple establishments in New York’s Bronx, Jackson Heights, Chinatown, and Manhattan, is originally from the Chandipur Bazar area of Bagha, Rajshahi. He reportedly sought the nomination due to his long-term involvement in BNP politics.
According to the allegations, Tofazzal Hossain Tapu, the former President of Rajshahi District BNP and an acquaintance of Mithu, acted as a mediator in the deal.
Recorded phone conversations between the three individuals have been circulating on social media, though their authenticity has not been independently verified.
Evidence and unfulfilled promises
Mithu further claimed that Koysor Ahmed provided two bank account numbers via WhatsApp for the transactions and sent documents purportedly showing that Mithu’s nomination had been finalised.
The Tk65 lakh was allegedly deposited in several instalments into these accounts in October last year.
Throughout the process, Koysor Ahmed reportedly assured Mithu that Tarique Rahman would contact him personally.
However, Mithu maintains that no such contact ever took place. Following Koysor’s instructions, Mithu even sent his elderly father to the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan during the candidate interview process, but his father was reportedly denied entry.
Party reaction and future inquiry
The lack of an official statement from the BNP has led to negative public reactions. When contacted, several senior leaders declined to comment, suggesting that only those involved in the nomination process could provide an explanation.
Most top leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, are currently busy with electioneering in their respective areas.
A source within the BNP indicated that the party’s top leadership is currently focused on the national election scheduled for 12 February. The source added that Mohammad Koysor Ahmed will be summoned for questioning regarding these allegations once the election is concluded.
