Arson and rail blockade follow nomination dispute

The town of Gafargaon in Mymensingh descended into unrest on Saturday afternoon as violent protests broke out over a political nomination dispute, resulting in arson at multiple locations and the suspension of rail services on a key national route. The turmoil followed demands by a section of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists to cancel or change the party’s nominated candidate for the Mymensingh-10 parliamentary constituency.

The disturbances began around 3:30 pm on Saturday, 27 December, when protesters gathered near the Shibganj Road railway crossing and other strategic points across Gafargaon municipality. According to police and local sources, demonstrators set fire to tyres and other flammable materials at no fewer than ten locations, including directly on the railway tracks. As a result, train services on the Dhaka–Mymensingh route were brought to a complete halt, causing significant disruption to passengers and freight movement.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as thick smoke rose from burning tyres and crowds blocked roads and rail lines. Fearing violence, all shops and businesses in the municipal area shut their doors, leaving the town effectively paralysed for several hours. No immediate reports of casualties were confirmed, but authorities described the situation as highly volatile.

Gafargaon Railway Police Sub-Inspector Abul Bashar confirmed that rail traffic had been suspended for safety reasons. “Train operations on the Dhaka–Mymensingh route have been stopped due to fires set on the tracks. Police are working to extinguish the flames and secure the railway line so that services can resume as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gafargaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Atikur Rahman stated that several incidents of arson had occurred across the town. “Tyres were set ablaze at multiple points to press demands for a change in the BNP nomination. Police and army personnel have been deployed to the affected areas, and efforts are ongoing to restore law and order,” he said.

The unrest followed an announcement made earlier in the day by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who officially declared Md Aktaruzzaman Bachchu as the party’s candidate for the Gafargaon seat. The declaration reportedly triggered immediate dissatisfaction among a faction of local party leaders and supporters, who have been advocating for an alternative nominee.

Political analysts note that internal disputes over nominations often intensify tensions ahead of elections, particularly in constituencies with strong factional rivalries. Saturday’s violence has raised fresh concerns over public safety, political stability, and the impact of intra-party conflicts on ordinary citizens.

By evening, the presence of law enforcement and military personnel helped calm the situation, though authorities warned that vigilance would remain high to prevent further unrest.

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