AK Azad faces growing criticism in Faridpur amid political controversy

Bangla Press Desk:   Businessman and political figure AK Azad, also known as Abdul Kader Azad, has come under increasing criticism in Faridpur, with some residents describing him as “unwelcome” in the district amid allegations of political opportunism and his past ties to the ruling party.

Azad, a member of the advisory council of the Faridpur district unit of the Awami League and a former independent parliamentary candidate, is facing accusations from locals who claim that “only Awami League loyalists stand with him.” The comments emerged in a video published by a local media outlet.

“I have known AK Azad since the Liberation War,” said one resident. “At that time, he was known as Abdul Kader. Later he became known as AK Azad. He was associated with JASAD and later contested elections independently. At one stage, he disappeared from politics and became an industrialist. In 2024, he sought the Awami League’s nomination but eventually ran as an independent candidate.”

The resident alleged that Azad is now surrounded by individuals “linked to past criminal activities” and that during the Awami League’s tenure, “they were involved in various offenses.”

Another local resident told the media, “AK Azad himself is aligned with the Awami League, and those around him also belong to the same political stream.”

Several interviewees described Azad as “a controversial figure” in local politics, accusing him of backing ruling party-aligned youth groups to assert influence in the area. They claimed that he is often accompanied by a group of supporters described as “aggressive and intimidating.”

The report cited an incident in which a group allegedly linked to Azad — referred to by locals as a “helmet gang” — attacked students with sticks and weapons during a demonstration, injuring several people. Witnesses claimed that some of the violence took place near Shahbagh Chattar, an area historically associated with Awami League gatherings.

Some residents expressed fear about speaking publicly against him. “He moves with a large group. People are afraid to confront him,” one local said. A woman added, “We are terrified when we see him. I have never dared to speak in front of him.”

Questions have also been raised locally about the source of Azad’s wealth. According to some residents, he rose to financial prominence within a relatively short period, despite coming from a farming background.

AK Azad has not issued any public statement in response to these allegations.

BP/SP