Engineer Dr. Muhammad Ismail Hossain, an advisor and former executive committee member of the Pabna district branch of the banned Awami League and a former assistant secretary of the party's central sub-committee, has reportedly overnight become the Rajshahi divisional convenor of the BNP's affiliate organization, Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal. This sudden political switch and high-profile appointment of an Awami League leader—who had previously sought party nomination for the Pabna-5 (Sadar) constituency—has sparked a storm of criticism across the district and drawn sharp reactions from local BNP leaders. Last Saturday (October 10, 2026), he even presided over a North Bengal freedom fighters' rally held at the Pabna District Council in the presence of central leaders.

Advocate Sabit Faisal Rizvi, Deputy Office Secretary of the Pabna District Awami League, confirmed Dr. Ismail's party identity and claimed he never resigned from the party. Meanwhile, Noor Mohammad Masum Boga, Joint Convenor of the Pabna District BNP, expressed strong anger, stating that the party's High Command has strict directives to prevent the infiltration of Awami people into the party, and he will strongly raise the issue in party forums. However, the accused Dr. Muhammad Ismail Hossain claimed that he submitted his resignation letter in February 2023 after learning that his name was included on the Awami League's advisory list without his consent, and asserted that no one has the power to challenge his freedom fighter identity. Pabna District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Masud Khandaker stated that if the allegations are true, it is very unfortunate and he will look into the matter and inform party forums.