Published on August 24, 2025 | By DailyScope News
Rumeen Farhana, a prominent Bangladeshi politician, lawyer, and former Member of Parliament (MP), has been making headlines recently due to her outspoken political stance and the challenges she faces within her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and beyond. As the Assistant International Affairs Secretary of BNP, Farhana has been a vocal figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape. However, her journey has not been without turbulence, as recent events highlight both her influence and the controversies surrounding her.
Political Career and Recent Developments
Rumeen Farhana, born on August 19, 1981, in Islampur, Bijoynagar Upazila of Brahmanbaria District, comes from a politically influential family. Her father, Oli Ahad, a noted politician and language movement hero, laid the foundation for her political journey. Farhana rose to prominence when she was elected unopposed as an MP for the reserved women’s seat-50 on May 28, 2019, representing BNP in the 11th National Parliament. She was the only female MP from BNP during that term, a significant milestone for the party amidst its struggles following the controversial 2018 elections. However, she resigned from her parliamentary position on December 11, 2022, during a BNP mass rally in Dhaka’s Golapbag, a move that underscored her commitment to the party’s protest against the then-ruling Awami League.
In recent months, Farhana has been at the center of several notable incidents. On August 24, 2025, she expressed frustration during a public event at the Election Commission auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, where she claimed to have been physically pushed by members of her own party. Speaking to journalists, she lamented, “For 15 years, I fought for BNP, and now they push me. That’s fine; a push will get a push in return.” This incident, which involved a scuffle with National Citizens Party (NCP) workers, has sparked discussions about internal divisions within BNP and its allies, raising questions about party unity ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections.
Farhana also criticized the conduct of certain BNP leaders, particularly in the Brahmanbaria-3 constituency, accusing them of bringing “goons” to the Election Commission and undermining its reputation. She emphasized her commitment to representing her issues personally, stating, “I will present my issues myself, and I have done so.” Her remarks reflect her determination to maintain her political stance despite internal and external pressures.
Controversies and Online Harassment
Farhana has also been a target of online misinformation and offensive content, a growing issue for women politicians in Bangladesh. According to a June 2025 report by BanglaFact, a fact-checking initiative by the Press Institute of Bangladesh, Farhana was subject to six objectionable pieces of content, constituting 22.22% of false claims analyzed about female politicians. Notable among these was a fabricated photo card circulated in February 2025, falsely claiming that Ekattor TV had leaked a video involving Farhana and actor Shakib Khan. Another incident involved a manipulated image suggesting a marriage between Farhana and Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the National Citizens Party, which was later debunked as digitally altered. These incidents highlight the challenges female politicians face in combating misinformation in the digital age.
Political Stance and Advocacy
Despite these challenges, Farhana remains a staunch advocate for democratic reforms. In a September 2024 speech at a BNP event in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail Upazila, she called for swift elections under the interim government, describing it as a “government of students and people” that BNP would support. She emphasized the need for a fair and free election, stating, “The owners of this country are the people. Whoever you vote for will run the country. Those who rule without your vote are illegitimate.” Her commitment to her home constituency of Sarail-Ashuganj is evident, as she expressed her desire to contest elections from there, promising to improve education and job opportunities for local youth.
Farhana’s criticism of the Awami League has been consistent. In January 2023, she faced resistance from local Awami League leaders in Ashuganj, who declared her “unwelcome” in the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency due to her critical remarks. She has also claimed that the Awami League fears losing power, predicting they “won’t return to power for the next 100 years” due to their alleged mismanagement and corruption.
Personal and Professional Background
Beyond politics, Farhana is a barrister-at-law, having graduated from the University of London and obtained her Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, UK. She practices at the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court and is a member of the Dhaka Lawyers Association. Additionally, she serves as the publisher and editor of the daily newspaper Ittehad, showcasing her multifaceted career as a lawyer, journalist, and writer.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Presence
Farhana’s active presence on social media, particularly on her Facebook page with over 569,000 followers, keeps her connected with her supporters. However, her outspoken nature has also made her a target for political opponents and misinformation campaigns. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising her resilience and others criticizing her party’s strategies, though these cannot be taken as conclusive evidence of public opinion.
Conclusion
Rumeen Farhana continues to be a polarizing yet influential figure in Bangladesh’s political sphere. Her dedication to her constituents, her fight for democratic principles, and her resilience in the face of personal and political challenges make her a key player to watch as Bangladesh approaches its next elections. However, the internal party conflicts and online harassment she faces underscore the complex dynamics of Bangladeshi politics.
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