A dispute over the BNP’s nomination for Munshiganj-3 escalated into a violent confrontation on Friday afternoon, leaving at least eight people injured and property damaged in Gazaria. The clash, involving rival factions of the party, reflects intensifying internal disagreements as the country moves closer to the parliamentary election.
The altercation unfolded around 5 pm near Jamaldi bus stand in Hosendi Union. Police and administrative officials swiftly intervened, with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan leading efforts to stabilise the situation. Although the immediate violence subsided, the atmosphere in the region remains uneasy, and law enforcement continues to monitor the area closely.
The injured individuals include Swadhin (28), Shirina Begum (46), Saidul (25), Delowar (49), Mostafa (48), Sujon (23), Asif Mir (19), and Nayon (26). Of them, Swadhin and Saidul were critically hurt and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Others are being treated locally.
The unrest was reportedly sparked by the BNP’s announcement on Thursday of candidates for 36 constituencies across the country. The nomination of central leader Md Kamruzzaman Ratan for the Munshiganj-3 seat displeased district BNP member secretary Mahiduddin Ahmed, who had expected to secure the nomination himself. Supporters of both leaders became increasingly agitated throughout the day, contributing to a volatile environment.
According to local shopkeepers, supporters of Mahiduddin Ahmed, led by Jubo Dal joint convener Ali Hossain, assembled in Sahara Market area, preparing for a torch procession. Meanwhile, supporters of Kamruzzaman Ratan had gathered under the leadership of fellow Jubo Dal joint convener Masum Ahmed and local BNP figure Momin Mridha. As the two groups approached one another, tensions rose rapidly.
Ali Hossain claimed his followers were attacked without provocation. “We were peacefully preparing the torch rally when they launched an assault. They vandalised my office and my car. Six or seven of our people were badly beaten,” he said.
In contrast, BNP leader Momin Mridha accused the other group of instigating violence. “People in Gazaria were genuinely pleased that Kamruzzaman Ratan was nominated. We were getting ready for a victory procession. Suddenly, they started firing shots, throwing crude bombs and pelting us with bricks from Ali Hossain’s office. We responded only to protect ourselves,” he explained.
Adding yet another perspective, Muhammad Masud Faruk, a member of the district BNP convening committee, dismissed the incident as infighting. “This is not a conflict between BNP factions,” he maintained. “Ordinary people were simply celebrating Ratan bhai’s nomination. They defended themselves against those aligned with ruling party interests.”
Gazaria Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Anwar Alam Azad, confirmed that police acted promptly upon receiving information. “The situation is under control. Our team reached the location quickly and restored calm,” he said.
The clash underscores the challenges facing the BNP as it prepares for the national polls. Nomination disputes have frequently sparked internal tensions, but Friday’s violence highlights the depth of competition among local leaders, with rivalries spilling into public disorder.