Social media hails BNP move to force Mishti out
The BNP’s decision to ask lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti to resign over allegations surrounding the attack and demolition of the RADDA MCH-FP Centre has drawn widespread praise from politicians, commentators and ordinary social media users, with many describing it as an unusually strong assertion of political accountability.
Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has ordered Mishti, an MP from a reserved women’s seat, to step down, according to party sources. The decision was taken by the party’s highest policymaking body on Wednesday, although it was initially unclear whether she had formally submitted her resignation.
The move followed days of public anger over the September 25 attack on the nearly 50-year-old health facility in Mirpur-1. More than 200 masked men allegedly stormed the premises before looting and demolishing the centre with heavy machinery. Mishti has denied involvement.
Reaction to the BNP decision was swift.
Faham Abdus Salam praised the prime minister for setting an example, writing on Facebook: “Political leaders must be held accountable.”
Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said the decision should “send a signal to all,” adding that political actors needed to understand that “old school politics is not going to work anymore.”
Lawyer Shishir Manir called it a “commendable decision” and expressed hope that political actors would learn from the episode and work towards establishing good governance.
MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem struck a more cautious note, arguing that accountability needed to extend beyond individual punishment.
“We need accountability that actually reaches power,” he wrote, calling for independent investigations, transparency in high-profile cases and consequences regardless of political influence.
Political commentator Nayel Rahman described Mishti as a “pawn” in a larger political calculation, but said the decision showed the governing BNP was prepared to break from its traditional playbook when the conduct of its own members threatened the party’s ability to govern.
“You can call it PR, damage control or distraction,” he wrote, but argued that disciplining sitting lawmakers represented a significant departure from established political practice.
Political analyst Mubashar Hasan also highlighted the rarity of the move, saying that in Bangladesh’s recent political history it was unusual for an MP to be forced out over allegations of violence and vandalism.
The allegations against Mishti have not been established in court. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said an investigation was underway and that action would be taken against anyone found involved. Police have arrested 12 people in connection with the Radda attack, while the officer-in-charge of Shah Ali Police Station has been withdrawn.
Mishti has repeatedly denied involvement in the demolition. She has acknowledged a past association with the cooperative society whose signboard appeared on the property after the attack, but denied directing the vandalism or takeover.
The decision nevertheless resonated strongly on social media.
MH Tanveer called it the kind of “decisive leadership” people expected from the prime minister and urged similarly visible action against extortion, violence and intimidation.
“Finally!! This is a great move by BNP,” Yamen Jahangeer wrote. “Where credit is due, it must be given.”
Shareq Fahim Haque described it as a “bold and decisive move,” saying it sent a message to party activists that crossing the line could carry consequences.
The reaction marks a sharp reversal from the criticism the government faced immediately after the Radda demolition, when questions were raised over how a health facility could be attacked and razed in the capital despite the presence of law enforcement.
For the BNP, the resignation demand has now turned the episode into a test of whether punishment at the political level will be followed by a full investigation — and whether the same standard will be applied when the next allegation reaches someone with power.