Protests erupt in Brahmanbaria amid section 144 prior to BNP conference

Protests erupted in Brahmanbaria's Bancharampur upazila this morning (20 November) as a faction of the BNP opposed the party's scheduled conference.

Demonstrators blocked roads, set fires, and vandalised a microbus during the protest, causing traffic disruption on the Bancharampur-Homna road near Krishnanagar in Ujanchor union around 10:45am.

Amid heightened tension between rival groups, the local administration imposed Section 144, restricting public gatherings in and around the SM Model Pilot High School grounds, the conference venue. The prohibition will remain in effect until tomorrow evening.

Sources said one faction of the upazila BNP called the conference at the school grounds this morning. However, the opposing faction accused the organisers of enrolling Awami League members as conference voters, sparking a dispute.

Abdul Khaleque's supporters further called for a discussion meeting at the same venue, escalating tensions. In response, the administration imposed the Section 144 order to prevent clashes.

Around 10:45am, supporters of Abdul Khaleque blocked the Bancharampur-Homna road near Krishnanagar by felling trees and lighting fires. They also vandalised a microbus during the demonstration, severely disrupting vehicular movement in the area.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Iqbal Hossain said law enforcement was promptly deployed to the scene. 

"Police have been sent to the spot following reports of unrest. No one will be allowed to create disorder. A significant number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed to maintain order," he said.