In Pakundia Upazila, Kishoreganj, tensions erupted between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during a canal excavation programme on Monday, 23 March 2026. The confrontation occurred in South Khama village, Egarsindur Union, leaving several participants with minor injuries and temporarily halting the civic project.
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Background of the Clash
Local reports indicate the skirmish involved supporters of Kishoreganj-2 MP Jalal Uddin and former Central Employment Secretary of BNP Jubo Dal, Khandakar Al Ashraf Mamun. The initiative, organised by Mamun, focused on voluntary excavation of a 1.5-kilometre canal connecting Golduba and Khama, intended to enhance water management and support surrounding agricultural lands.
According to Azizul Hakim Mir, former joint secretary of Kishoreganj District Chhatra Dal, tensions escalated when MP Jalal Uddin’s supporters reportedly arrived at the site carrying locally made weapons, obstructing the excavation. “Excitement quickly escalated into a chase between both groups, disrupting the project and leaving several participants injured,” Mir stated.
Mamun defended the initiative, emphasising that the canal clearing was a public welfare project under the Prime Minister’s guidance. He added: “Some BNP-affiliated individuals attacked volunteers with crude weapons, causing injuries among those engaged in community work.”
Conflicting Perspectives
Conversely, Egarsindur Union BNP President Khurshid Uddin and Union Chhatra Dal President Robiul Alam claimed that the canal clearing was proposed to MP Jalal Uddin for government approval. They asserted that locals were merely protecting their land and documenting the activity, denying any initiation of attacks. According to them, injuries among the MP’s supporters resulted from counter-actions by Mamun’s faction.
Administrative Intervention
The incident prompted an on-site inspection by Pakundia Upazila Executive Officer Rupam Das and OC SM Arifur Rahman of Pakundia Police Station. Rahman stated: “The clash occurred when one group attempted canal clearing while the other obstructed them. Law and order have now been restored.”
Rupam Das confirmed that authorities are verifying the facts and indicated that canal work could resume under proper supervision. MP Jalal Uddin, also BNP Pakundia Upazila convener, claimed no personnel from his office were present and was unaware of any official excavation being undertaken.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, 23 March 2026 |
| Location | South Khama village, Egarsindur Union, Pakundia Upazila, Kishoreganj |
| Parties Involved | Supporters of MP Jalal Uddin vs. supporters of Khandakar Al Ashraf Mamun |
| Programme | 1.5 km voluntary canal excavation (Golduba-Khama) |
| Injuries | Several minor injuries reported |
| Cause of Tension | Obstruction and intra-party rivalry |
| Administrative Action | Site inspection by Upazila Executive Officer and Police OC; situation stabilised |
Broader Implications
The episode underscores intra-party tensions within BNP and the difficulties of executing community welfare initiatives in politically charged settings. Authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure projects such as canal excavation, crucial for irrigation and flood control, proceed smoothly.
The Pakundia administration emphasises the need for lawful coordination, community engagement, and political neutrality to prevent future confrontations while advancing infrastructure that benefits local residents and supports sustainable development.
This clash highlights how local politics can complicate civic projects, requiring careful management to balance public welfare with political sensitivities.