BNP struggles with nationwide internal clashes as nomination rifts widen
Beyond nomination disputes, BNP factions have also clashed over local dominance, business control, committee formation, sports events, and party programmes
BNP leaders and activists across the country have been caught in a series of clashes following the party's announcement of potential candidates for the upcoming national election. Most incidents have broken out between supporters of newly announced nominees and those who were left out.
Beyond nomination disputes, BNP factions have also clashed over local dominance, business control, committee formation, sports events, and party programmes.
Many leaders and activists have been injured in these confrontations, prompting the party to initiate strict organisational action against those accused of disrupting discipline.
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One such clash erupted in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi-1 on the evening of 25 November, where two BNP groups fought over nomination disagreements. Local sources said at least 20 people from both sides were injured. The violence involved supporters of BNP's initially nominated candidate Sharif Uddin and those backing Sultanul Islam Tarek, who was denied the nomination.
In Tangail-1, nomination disputes triggered a chase and counter-chase between two BNP groups in Madhupur on 19 November. Followers of nominated candidate Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan and rejected aspirant Mohammad Ali clashed, leaving three people injured. Two private clinics were vandalised, and a motorcycle was set on fire.
In Noakhali-6, rival BNP groups clashed on 22 November in the Ochkhali area of Hatia upazila, leaving at least 20 people injured. Police and locals said the confrontation took place between supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and central organising secretary Mohammad Mahbuber Rahman Shamim and followers of former lawmaker Fazlul Azim.
Similar clashes have erupted in other districts as well – in Sonargaon of Narayanganj over local dominance, in Boalmari of Faridpur over programmes marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day, in Noakhali Sadar over a football match, and in Raozan of Chattogram – as rival BNP groups confronted each other.
According to data from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), BNP and its affiliated bodies were involved in 432 internal clashes in the first 10 months of this year, leaving at least 4,065 people injured and 70 dead.
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Earlier, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told TBS that the party is taking action against those responsible for clashes or disorder.
"Many have already been expelled," he said.
Rizvi added that leaders and activists may have personal preferences regarding candidates, but once the party finalises a nomination, no one has the right to block roads or rail lines in protest.
"Those who are doing this are facing immediate action from the party, and this will continue," he said.
Sources said acting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has assigned individual Standing Committee members to resolve internal disputes.
He has also been speaking virtually from London with those who were denied nominations. During these discussions, he has urged disgruntled aspirants to maintain party unity, respect party decisions, and follow organisational discipline.
