NCP rally disrupted, stage dismantled in Cox's Bazar over Patwari's remark about BNP's Salahuddin

The National Citizen Party's (NCP) scheduled street rally in Cox's Bazar's Chakaria was disrupted this afternoon (19 July) following controversial remarks made by a party leader against senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, police said.

The incident took place around 4:15pm in front of Janata Market in Chakaria town. The rally turned chaotic as local BNP leaders and activists, alongside agitated locals, dismantled the temporary stage built on vehicles for the event.

The disruption came in response to what was deemed an offensive statement made earlier in the day by NCP's Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari during a public gathering in the district.

Confirming the incident, Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shafiqul Islam said, "The motorcade carrying NCP central leaders has been escorted out of the district under law enforcement protection." 

The OC added that BNP supporters in Chakaria have taken to the streets in protest following the remarks.

According to sources, despite the central NCP leaders leaving Cox's Bazar, they later rerouted through Lohagara in Chattogram and headed back toward Chakaria, prompting local shops to shutter in fear of further unrest.

Meanwhile, BNP activists launched protest marches condemning Patwari's remarks across the district. 

In his speech, Patwari stated, "During Awami League's rule, Shamim Osman was known as the godfather of Narayanganj. Now we hear that a new godfather has arrived in Cox's Bazar from Shillong. He is grabbing lands, fisheries, extorting money. 

"And yet he claims he doesn't understand reform. I won't mention names. But the people of Cox's Bazar will stop those who are against reforms and do not understand the proportional representation [PR] system."

This statement has been widely perceived as an insult to BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, sparking protest marches across the district.