Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury—Member of Parliament for the Patuakhali-1 constituency, Vice-Chairman of the BNP, and former Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Commerce—has issued a stern warning against any attempts to incite unrest or instability in the country surrounding the upcoming Durga Puja.

He stated, "Certain elements are plotting to destabilize the nation in the context of the upcoming Puja festivities. They intend to foster instability from now until December, aiming to trigger conflict within the country as a pretext to facilitate the return of Sheikh Hasina. However, they will not be given that opportunity, as both law enforcement agencies and the general public remain vigilant."

He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a public gathering held on Friday afternoon (October 16, 2026) on the grounds of Satani Amir Uddin Smriti Secondary School in Angaria Union, Dumki Upazila, Patuakhali.

The event, presided over by Md. Zahirul Islam Khokon—a key member of the Upazila BNP—featured several notable figures as special guests. These included Advocate Wahid Sarwar Kalam, former Acting General Secretary of the Patuakhali District BNP; Professor Dr. Md. Delwar Hossain, Vice-President of the Zia Parishad Central Committee; Md. Mujibur Rahman, Assistant General Secretary of the central Swechchhasebak Dal; J. M. Anisur Rahman, Joint Convener of the central Tati Dal; Professor Laila Yasmin, former President of the Patuakhali District Mohila Dal; Jasmine Jafar, President of the District Women and Children’s Rights Forum; Advocate Anisur Rahman, former Vice-President of the Patuakhali District Chhatra Dal; and Md. Matiur Rahman Dipu, former Joint Convener of the Dumki Upazila BNP.

The gathering was attended by leaders and activists from the BNP—at both the Upazila and Union levels—along with its affiliated and associate organizations, as well as representatives from civil society.