Clashes, vandalism erupt in several districts over BNP nomination disputes
Police and local BNP leaders in the affected areas said efforts are underway to defuse tensions and prevent further violence
Tensions flared across multiple districts following the announcement of the BNP's candidate list for the upcoming national election, with clashes, protests, and acts of vandalism reported in several areas today (4 November).
In Meherpur-2 (Gangni), at least 12 people were injured in clashes between rival BNP factions after district BNP President Jabed Masud Milton was denied nomination, reports BBC Bangla.
The violence broke out around 10am at Gangni Bazar, a day after Amjad Hossain was declared the party's official candidate for the seat.
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Following the announcement, Milton's supporters took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking roads in protest. They alleged that Milton, who has led the district unit for 17 years and endured arrests, attacks, and persecution, was unfairly overlooked in favour of a candidate "absent from the field."
Former lawmaker Amjad Hossain accused Gangni Upazila BNP General Secretary Abdul Awal, a supporter of Milton, of leading an attack on the local BNP office with locally made weapons, leaving 12 party members injured and property vandalised.
Gangni Police Station OC Bani Israel said both sides engaged in chases and counter-chases. Later, police intervened to restore order.
In Chandpur-4 (Faridganj), supporters of BNP leader MA Hannan staged demonstrations from morning till noon, blocking the Faridganj-Raipur road near the upazila bus stand after he was denied nomination.
According to the BBC report, protesters burned tyres, vandalised billboards of nominated candidate Lion Md Harunur Rashid, and brought traffic to a standstill before police intervened to disperse the crowd.
Meanwhile, in Magura-2, supporters of Dhaka South Jubo Dal member secretary Rabiul Islam Nayan staged protests last night (3 November), demanding the cancellation of Nitai Roy Chowdhury's nomination. They claimed Nitai was an "ineligible candidate" and urged the party to nominate Nayan instead.
Police and local BNP leaders in the affected areas said efforts are underway to defuse tensions and prevent further violence.
