Former Kishoreganj BNP leader and lawyer Foyzul Karim has announced his decision to join the Awami League, despite the government’s ban on the party’s activities.
He made the announcement in a video message posted on Facebook on Wednesday. The news was subsequently shared by local Awami League leaders and activists on social media.
Foyzul Karim was a member of the dissolved Kishoreganj district BNP committee prior to the party conference held on 20 September.
He also had ties with the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum. Foyzul Karim is the son of Fazlur Karim, former lawmaker of Kishoreganj Sadar and then state minister for health under the Ziaur Rahman government.
In a Facebook live video, Foyzul Karim expressed confidence in Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina’s imminent return to Bangladesh.
Speaking during a 2-minute 12-second broadcast on his Facebook page, ‘Advocate Foyzul Karim Mubin,’ he outlined his political stance and future plans.
Meanwhile, the government has currently banned the Awami League’s political activities.
Foyzul Karim said that since Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return, he believes the nation needs her leadership now more than ever.
He emphasized that his political involvement has always been for the country, not for any party. He added that Bangladesh’s politics is entering a new phase, with Sheikh Hasina standing not only as the leader of the Awami League but also as a symbol of national stability. “Now is the time for unity for the sake of the nation and its people,” he said.
He further stated his strong opposition to the July Charter by what he described as an unconstitutional government on 21 October from Kishoreganj.
Foyzul Karim has previously served as deputy office secretary of Kishoreganj district BNP, a member of the municipal BNP, and joint convener of the Kishoreganj unit of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum.
Following the 20 September district BNP conference, the previous committee was dissolved, and a new leadership elected. The process of forming the full committee is ongoing.
Regarding his decision to switch parties, Foyzul Karim stated that the Awami League is a pro-liberation war party with secular and patriotic leadership. Expressing his frustration, he noted that a year has passed since 5 August, yet the hopes and aspirations of the people remain unfulfilled.
Instead, he claimed, attempts are being made to exploit state resources under the pretext of reform, with efforts underway to empower anti-independence forces.
He stated that he joined the Awami League to oppose anti-independence elements. Describing Sheikh Hasina as a true patriot and the sole refuge for the people of Bangladesh, he expressed pride in becoming a member of the party.
Foyzul Karim has declined to comment on how or through whom he joined the Awami League.
Responding to Foyzul Karim’s move, Majharul Islam, general secretary of Kishoreganj district BNP, stated that since Foyzul Karim no longer holds any position within the party, his statements are irrelevant and his joining the Awami League carries no significance.
