Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP), has criticized local political leaders for contributing to a rise in crime and disorder in Mohammadpur, a neighborhood in Dhaka. Speaking at a public outreach event organized by the NCP on Tuesday, Asif accused elected representatives of enabling teenage gangs and snatchers to operate with impunity in the area.

During his address, Asif specifically targeted the current Member of Parliament representing Mohammadpur. He claimed that the MP ran his campaign with the support of teenage gangs and militants and that these groups have since gained significant control over the neighborhood. Asif further alleged that the lawmaker does not reside in Mohammadpur but in Gulshan, another area in Dhaka, and suggested that this absenteeism contributed to a lack of effective governance on local security issues.

Without explicitly naming the MP, Asif appeared to refer to Bobby Hajiaj, the incumbent representative for Dhaka-13 and state minister for education. He also raised questions about the legitimacy of the MP’s election victory, implying potential irregularities.

The NCP spokesperson urged local authorities and the wider political establishment to take responsibility for the deteriorating situation and to address the security challenges facing Mohammadpur. No response from Bobby Hajiaj or his office was immediately available.