The National Citizen Party (NCP) has opened its district office in a building owned by a former Awami League leader and mayor in Jhalakathi, sparking discussion in local political circles over the property’s previous use.

The office was inaugurated on Wednesday, October 21, on the building’s third floor along Court Road. The event was attended by reserved-seat MP and NCP joint chief organiser for the southern region Dr Mahmudah Mitu, while Masuma Hadi, sister of slain Sharif Osman Hadi, attended as a special guest. Engineer H M Zakir Hossain, convener of NCP’s Jhalakathi district unit, chaired the event. 

The building belongs to Liaquat Ali Talukder, former president of the Jhalakathi municipal Awami League and former mayor. According to local sources, the third floor previously housed the municipal Awami League office, which was inaugurated by former minister and Awami League Presidium member Amir Hossain Amu.

Liaquat Ali Talukder’s son, Mithu Talukder, said the party office had closed many years ago and the third floor had remained vacant for a long time. The NCP later contacted the family about renting the space, and they agreed to lease it, he said.

Mithu stressed that the NCP had rented a vacant flat, not an old party office, and said there was no reason to make the matter unnecessarily complicated.

Dr Mahmudah Mitu said the party had rented a room on the third floor for its office. She said the NCP would conduct its activities there and that the building’s previous use was not a consideration. She also said she was unaware whether any political party had previously maintained an office there.

The opening has prompted discussion among local residents and on social media, particularly over the building’s political history. Some residents have also questioned whether the rental arrangement could have political implications. However, no independent evidence has emerged to substantiate those suspicions.

Local residents further claimed that Liaquat Ali Talukder was arrested and jailed after August 5, and that he had reportedly gone into hiding after being released. They said he was occasionally seen in Jhalakathi. These claims were attributed to local residents.

Liaquat Ali Talukder served as municipal mayor for two terms, a total of 10 years, during the Awami League government. He also served as president of the municipal Awami League during that period.