BNP factions clash in Sitakunda over founding anniversary programme

A clash broke out between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over the party's founding anniversary programme in the Sitakunda municipality area of Chattogram today (1 September).

The incident involved chase and counter-chase between the opposing groups, alongside allegations of cocktail explosions and gunfire. Police, however, said no shooting took place and that only firecrackers were set off.

The clash erupted in the afternoon after activists from both factions took opposing positions in Sitakunda Sadar, causing tensions that quickly escalated into violence.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing several explosions during the clash, while some locals claimed to have heard gunshots.

However, police from Sitakunda Police Station reiterated that no gunfire occurred.

At one point, activists loyal to former joint convener of Chattogram North District BNP Kazi Salauddin took position in the Banshbaria area of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, disrupting vehicular movement and causing a traffic jam.

Police subsequently arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control and cleared the highway to restore normal traffic flow.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Mohinul Islam said the clash stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the two groups over the party's founding anniversary programme. Additional police forces have been deployed at the spot, he added.

Addressing allegations of gunfire, the OC said no shots were fired and that firecrackers had been set off, adding that the situation was under control.

However, a video circulating on social media showed a young man wearing a blue panjabi and jeans openly patrolling the area with what appeared to be a firearm.

Kazi Salauddin alleged that his followers were subjected to an unprovoked attack in Sitakunda Sadar, claiming that several attackers were seen carrying firearms and standing openly in front of police.

He alleged that three to four activists, including Russell and Salam, were injured in the attack. He also claimed that innocent activists faced armed individuals among a crowd of 500 to 700 people.

Salauddin further alleged that following the attack, the office of BNP No 2 Union branch Organising Secretary Salam in the Bardargahat area was vandalised and looted, while the adjacent Baishakhi Club was also vandalised and stripped of goods.

He named Rokon and Mursalin as leading the attack, though these allegations could not be independently verified by The Business Standard.

When asked about the allegations, former BNP joint secretary general and chairperson's adviser Aslam Chowdhury said he had not yet arrived at the venue and was leaving home when the incident occurred.

He said the founding anniversary programme was just beginning and that he was unaware of any allegations that his followers had carried firearms or launched an attack. While he noticed traffic on the road, he said he had no knowledge of any armed assault by his supporters.

Local sources said the potential for conflict between the two factions had been discussed locally before the event, as both groups had scheduled programmes in the same area.