Ex-BNP leader stabbed to death in clash between 2 party factions in Chuadanga

A former Chuadanga BNP leader was stabbed to death in a clash between two factions of the party regarding the distribution of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and vulnerable group feeding (VGF) cards.

The incident occurred in the Titudah village of the sadar upazila today (8 March), Chuadanga Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anok Kumar Das told The Business Standard.

"Rafiqul Islam Rafiq, the former organisational secretary of BNP's Union branch, was killed by the rival faction's members around noon. A case is currently in process regarding the incident," he said.

"After the autopsy at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, the body will be handed over to the family," the ASP added.

According to the victim's family, when Rafiq arrived at the Titudah market today, a group led by the union BNP president and general secretary attacked him with local weapons.

He was killed on the spot, and four others were injured.

Locals said there had been a dispute for several days between two factions of the BNP in the Titudha union regarding the distribution of TCB cards and VGF rice cards.

The dispute was between the union BNP president Milan Mia, general secretary Abul Hashem Toton, and the former organisational secretary of the same union BNP, Rafiqul.

A local settlement was supposed to take place this morning regarding the distribution of VGF rice among the two BNP factions.

Locals alleged that though distributions fall under the district administration, the local BNP factions forcefully took over the responsibility for distribution, which led to a clash today.

Sadar Upazila Executive Officer M Saifulah said VGF rice had been allocated for distribution, and it was expected to be distributed fairly. "It stemmed from a small issue that escalated into murder."