Md Delwar Hossain Miah, 67, president of activities banned Saltha Upazila Awami League in Faridpur, has announced his resignation from all party positions and his retirement from politics, citing internal party feuds, internal persecution, and physical illness.
He made the announcement through a written statement at a press conference held at the Faridpur Press Club on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking at the press conference, Delwar disclosed that he voluntarily stepped down from his roles as president of Saltha Upazila Awami League and executive committee member of Faridpur District Awami League.
Reflecting on his 40-year political career, during which he served as a public representative for 25 years, he alleged that a “black chapter” in his life began after he was elected chairman of Saltha Upazila Parishad as an independent candidate in 2009.
He held Ayman Akbar Chowdhury Bablu, the elder son of late Faridpur-2 constituency MP Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, and former MP Shahdab Akbar Chowdhury Labu, her younger son, responsible for his ordeal.
He said that on 19 August 2015, an attack was launched against him on Bablu Chowdhury’s instructions during a public rally at Yusufdia field, leaving him severely injured. At that time, his house and shop were vandalised and looted, and the graves of his parents were broken down.
Subsequently, while undergoing treatment in hospital, 16 cases were filed against him, leading to his continuous imprisonment for a year, although the court later acquitted him of all charges.
Highlighting his helplessness within the party, Delwar remarked that he remained merely a “nominal president” for 16 long years, while Bablu Chowdhury and former MP Labu Chowdhury controlled everything, engaging in irregularities, abuse of power, and oppression of party leaders and activists.
He added that thousands of leaders and workers currently remain displaced from their homes due to attacks and legal cases, and despite holding the post of president, he was unable to provide them or the general public with legal assistance.
Regarding his decision to step down, he explained that he is currently physically unwell and believes there is no justification for holding office if he cannot serve the public at all levels. He clarified to journalists, however, that he was not resigning under pressure from any quarter.
Concluding the press conference, Delwar sought forgiveness from everyone if he had made any mistakes or hurt anyone during his long political career, expressing his intention to spend the rest of his life standing alongside ordinary people outside of politics.
