A coordination meeting aimed at resolving internal disputes within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) descended into violent clashes in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah District on Friday, leaving at least 12 people injured, including four police officers. Authorities have since reinforced security in the area as tensions linger.
The confrontation took place at the office of Rashid Khan, the BNP’s candidate for the Jhenaidah-4 parliamentary constituency. The meeting had been convened in an effort to settle long-running factional disagreements within the party at the local level. Instead, it exposed the depth of internal divisions and quickly spiralled into disorder.
Long-Standing Rivalry
According to local sources, the conflict centres on a prolonged rivalry between supporters of Maharajpur Union Chairman Khurshid Alam and those aligned with Ramnagar College principal and BNP leader Moklechur Rahman, widely known as Pintu Mia, along with his associate Mati Mia. The dispute reportedly revolves around influence and organisational control within local party structures.
What began as a coordination meeting to foster unity soon deteriorated into heated arguments between the opposing camps. Eyewitnesses described escalating verbal exchanges that rapidly turned physical. Party activists allegedly vandalised the Kaliganj Upazila BNP office during the altercation, damaging furniture and property.
Clashes Extend to Police Premises
As tensions intensified, members of one faction reportedly sought safety inside the Kaliganj Police Station compound. However, rival activists allegedly followed them into the premises and attacked them with sticks and other blunt objects.
Police officers intervened in an attempt to restore order. During the ensuing chaos, officers were struck by bricks and became embroiled in scuffles with agitators. Four officers—Bipul Hossain, Pannu Hossain, Tuhin and Fazlur Rahman—were injured while attempting to control the situation. They later received treatment at a local health complex.
In total, officials confirmed that at least 12 individuals sustained injuries, although the identities of several injured activists were not immediately available.
Heightened Security and Legal Action
Following the unrest, additional police personnel were deployed across Kaliganj municipal town and around the BNP party office to prevent further escalation. Although the situation is now reported to be under control, a tense atmosphere persists in the locality.
Rashid Khan expressed regret over the incident, stating that the meeting had been organised solely to reconcile internal disputes and strengthen party unity. He described the violence as “deeply unfortunate” and urged party workers to remain calm and disciplined.
Police officials confirmed that legal proceedings are under way against those accused of trespassing into the station compound and obstructing government duties. Investigations are ongoing to identify individuals responsible for vandalism and assault.