Violence Erupts in Bangladesh as BNP Factions Clash Over Nominations

Internal Strife within BNP Leads to Clashes

Dhaka: In a troubling escalation of internal discord within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), clashes between rival factions resulted in injuries to at least ten individuals. This unrest was triggered by disputes over party nominations for a constituency in Gazipur district, as reported by local news outlets.

The violence unfolded on Sunday evening in Kaliakair Upazila, where supporters of BNP's Gazipur-1 nominee, Mujibur Rahman, clashed with backers of Ishraq Siddiqui, the son of a former BNP committee member who was denied a nomination.

The confrontations led to significant property damage, with multiple campaign offices and vehicles being vandalized and set on fire.

Gazipur's Additional Superintendent of Police (crime) confirmed the incidents, stating, "There were attacks and fires involving two BNP factions. We are working to restore peace through discussions with both parties."

According to The Business Standard, a prominent Bangladeshi newspaper, Ishraq Siddiqui's supporters held a protest rally in Rakhaliachala to voice their grievances regarding what they termed an "unfair nomination process."

As the protest gathered momentum, a group of 20 to 25 individuals, reportedly loyal to Mujibur Rahman, arrived on motorcycles and initiated an attack, resulting in injuries to at least ten people.

The injured were taken to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Ishraq Siddiqui accused the attackers of attempting to silence dissent among grassroots leaders dissatisfied with the nomination process. He expressed, "There is widespread frustration over how this seat was handled. We were conducting a peaceful protest when we were assaulted by Mujibur Rahman's followers. Some individuals were even detained without justification," adding that fear now permeates the area.

Last month, factional tensions within the BNP led to over 100 injuries during clashes between rival groups in Saltha upazila of Faridpur district, as reported by local media.

The BNP has seen a rise in violence, with factional disputes resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. Analysts suggest that Khaleda Zia's BNP may have collaborated with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to oust the democratically elected Awami League government last year.