Lawmaker claims power, not just votes, secured his MP seat

Shafiqul Islam Masud, a lawmaker from Patuakhali-2 and a member of Jamaat-e-Islami, has sparked controversy with remarks suggesting his parliamentary position was secured not just by votes but also by "power." Speaking at an event in Bauphal, Patuakhali, he declared, "So, do not come here showing power. In return, five lakh people will show their power."

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I removed the OC from his chair within two hours... moved an army major from here within two hours. Some people say I became an MP through votes. I say I did not become an MP through votes alone; I also became an MP through power. So, do not come here showing power. In return, five lakh people will show their power.

A video of Masud's speech went viral on social media, eliciting widespread reactions. During the event, he also discussed his political background and addressed online criticisms directed at his family. He challenged detractors, stating, "Do not talk nonsense and make me angry. You will not be able to handle it."

Masud, who is also a central Majlis-e-Shura member of Jamaat, defended his statements by explaining they were partly in response to "false and offensive remarks" made online about his late father, father-in-law, and wife. He urged that the "positive aspects" of his speech should also be considered.

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Do not talk nonsense and make me angry. You will not be able to handle it.

The lawmaker also commented on development initiatives, suggesting that infrastructure alone is insufficient to maintain political power without guaranteeing rights and freedom of expression. The speech, which was attended by local political activists and supporters, has been met with criticism from some segments of society, while others have called for consideration of the full context.

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False and offensive remarks had been made online about my late father, father-in-law and wife. He said some of his comments, during the speech, were made in response to those social media attacks.