Two factions of BNP clash during Rajshahi rally

A clash broke out between two factions of the opposition BNP during its ninth divisional rally in Rajshahi on Saturday.

The incident took place right after the central leaders of the party went on stage for their speeches.

Witnesses said the leaders and activists of the two factions threw chairs at each other and attacked one another with bamboo sticks. 

When BNP's former MP Nadim Mostafa started speaking, several BNP workers clashed in between the rally venue. The central leaders were also seen requesting the BNP men to stop the fight.

However, the reason behind the clash could not be confirmed.

As part of the party's divisional program, BNP's Rajshahi city unit arranged the rally on the Rajshahi Madrasa ground on Saturday.

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies from eight districts under the division participated in the rally.

Dhaka Tribune

The leaders and activists from Natore, Bogra, Pabna, Sirajganj, Naogaon, Joypurhat and Chapainawabganj started arriving at the rally venue in processions since morning, braving transport strikes.

Law enforcers took adequate measures to maintain the law and order situation in and around the city centering the rally and setting up check-posts at all entry points.

BNP activists from the districts under the divisions came to the city by train, trucks, boats and other vehicles like human haulers, auto rickshaws, three-wheelers, motorbikes, and micro-buses from Wednesday, as a bus strike was underway in Rajshahi division.

Besides, the Rajshahi auto-rickshaw owners association also enforced an indefinite strike on Friday afternoon. BNP leaders alleged that the strikes are meant for obstructing mass waves toward their rally.

The rally in Rajshahi was the ninth one by BNP at the divisional level as eight others were held in Chittagong, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur, Barisal and Faridpur, Sylhet and Comilla.

As part of the move to continue the pace of its ongoing movement, the BNP on September 27 announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities. The party will conclude the divisional programs by holding its last rally in Dhaka on December 10.

The organizers said the rallies are meant to denounce the price hike of daily essentials and fuels, the death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, and Jessore, and to ensure the freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.