A controversial comment by Kamruzzaman Ratan, lawmaker for Munshiganj-3 constituency, regarding the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia, has touched off a wave of intense anger and criticism across social media platforms both at home and abroad.
The storm erupted after video clips from a talk show on Star News, a private television channel, circulated widely online.
Discussing the tragic beheading of a Bangladeshi man and woman in Saudi Arabia from a narrow religious angle, the member of parliament emotionally said, “I do not want the bodies of this sin to come to Bangladesh.”
The comment dealt a severe blow to expatriates – widely revered as the core driving force of the national economy and hailed as “remittance warriors.”
As the video went viral, citizens and overseas workers condemned his words as deeply insulting, mounting strong demands for his removal and resignation from his parliamentary seat.
Apology and withdrawal
Amid rising public anger and intense pressure, Kamruzzaman Ratan offered an explanation during a brief interview with local media representatives on Monday evening.
Admitting that he spoke without proper understanding, he termed his comment an unintended mistake, acknowledged his fault, and publicly sought forgiveness from the nation and aggrieved citizens.
He later posted a press release on his verified Facebook page seeking forgiveness and fully withdrawing his comments.
In the post, he explained that while discussing the tragic incident involving the two Bangladeshi citizens on the Star News talk show, he had emotionally said, “I do not want the body of this sin to come to Bangladesh.”
Admitting that making such a comment was entirely wrong, he expressed sincere sorrow to the families of the deceased and to expatriate brothers and sisters who were hurt by his words.
He added that making errors is human, and recognising one’s mistake to ask for forgiveness is a special blessing from Almighty Allah.
Demands for resignation
The reaction from political figures has been swift and sharp. S.M. Kamal Hossain, president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Munshiganj district committee, took to his social media page to issue a strong condemnation.
He demanded the immediate resignation and removal of Kamruzzaman Ratan from his parliamentary seat and called for legal punishment, accusing the elected public representative of adopting an anti-national stance and speaking in the language of bigoted militants.
Questioning whether asking for forgiveness could ever be the final resolution for all misdeeds or controversial comments, Hossain expressed deep sorrow and shame.
He noted that the entire country was condemning the people of Munshiganj for electing such an unqualified and militant-minded individual.
Speaking on behalf of the constituents of the Munshiganj-3 (173) parliamentary constituency, he folded his hands to ask for forgiveness from the nation, quoting poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, “Here all are equal sinners, weighing others’ sins with the balance of their own!”
Meanwhile, debate continues to swell on Facebook and other platforms over whether Kamruzzaman Ratan is fit to remain in office, with questions swirling across various circles about whether he will resign.
Ordinary citizens, professionals, and political personalities continue to voice protest against such insensitive conduct, raising fresh questions over the sense of responsibility required of a public representative.
