Pabna, Bangladesh – Violence between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Pabna’s Sujanagar and Ishwardi upazilas has left two dead and at least 31 individuals in police custody, highlighting the escalating tensions within the party over local dominance. The latest casualty, 60-year-old Munshur Khan, succumbed to injuries at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on Tuesday at approximately 3:00 pm.
The unrest reportedly stems from a longstanding dispute between supporters of former Haatkhali Union Chhatra Dal president Rafiul Islam and followers of BNP supporter Islam Pramanik of Vitbila village in Manikhat Union. Locals indicated that the conflict over influence and control intensified on Sunday night when Pramanik’s supporters gathered in the area armed with sticks. This prompted a retaliatory attack by Rafiul Islam’s faction, which wielded both sticks and firearms, leading to a violent confrontation.
During the melee in Vitbila Westpara village on Monday morning, 40-year-old housewife China Khatun, spouse of Shukur Ali, was shot dead on the spot. Munshur Khan was among at least ten others injured during the clash and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. Both deceased were reportedly affiliated with Islam Pramanik’s faction.
Timeline of Incidents in Pabna
| Date & Time | Location | Incident | Casualties | Injured | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday night, 23 Mar | Vitbila, Sujanagar | Rival factions clash over local dominance | None initially | Several injured | Houses damaged |
| Monday morning, 24 Mar | Vitbila Westpara | Gunfire erupts | 1 dead (China Khatun) | 10 injured | Limited property damage |
| Tuesday, 24 Mar | Rajshahi Medical College Hospital | Munshur Khan dies from injuries | 1 dead | – | – |
| Monday, 23 Mar | Ishwardi Railgate & Post Office Mor | Supporters of Habibur Rahman vs Zakaria Pintoo clash | None | 30+ injured | 15 motorcycles vandalised, 6 set on fire |
In Ishwardi, rival supporters of district BNP convener Habibur Rahman and former upazila BNP joint secretary, along with supporters of “rebel” BNP candidate Zakaria Pintoo for Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atgharia), engaged in violent chases and clashes near the Railgate and Post Office Mor areas. Rahman’s election office was vandalised, while 15 motorcycles were damaged and six set ablaze. Police confirmed that at least 30 individuals sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Arrests and Law Enforcement Measures
Authorities have detained 31 individuals in connection with both incidents—12 in Sujanagar and 19 in Ishwardi. Police are conducting interrogations, although no formal cases had been filed by Tuesday evening.
Sujanagar Circle Assistant Superintendent of Police Sadik Ahmed stated that additional forces had been deployed to restore order and that Munshur Khan had been admitted with gunshot wounds, pending forensic verification. Ishwardi police officer-in-charge Md. Mominuzzaman confirmed that no complaints had yet been submitted, and legal proceedings would commence once statements were lodged.
Residents expressed deep concern over the violence, urging BNP leaders to intervene and mediate between factions to prevent further bloodshed. “The local community is terrified. These clashes are tearing apart families and neighbourhoods,” one resident said.
Observers warn that such factional disputes not only undermine the party’s credibility ahead of elections but also pose broader risks to public safety, highlighting the urgent need for internal party reconciliation.