Leaders and activists of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (ML) have claimed they are unable to locate the party’s ‘chief’ Dilip Barua.

Harun Chowdhury presently asserting leadership of the organisation.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday (August 13), Harun said they presented the party’s new committee and revised structure to the CEC. 

He said that changes were made during a council held on February 7, which reinstated the posts of president and general secretary, with the president now serving as the party chief instead of the general secretary.

Identifying himself as the current president, Harun said they have no information on Barua’s whereabouts. “For various reasons, Dilip Barua has become controversial, and we do not know where he is. However, we understand he has not been arrested. We cannot confirm whether he is abroad or in hiding in the country,” he said.

He added that they urged the CEC to ensure the upcoming election is free from muscle power, the influence of money, and uncontested victories through declaration, calling for a credible electoral process.

Dilip Barua previously served as the industries minister in the Awami League-led 14-party alliance government during the tenth Jatiya Sangsad.

MSK/