The Kurigram district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 across Bhurungamari upazila, following tensions between two BNP factions over forming a convening committee for the Sonahat Land Port Import-Export Association.
The restrictions, effective from 8am to 12am on Friday, prohibit carrying or displaying firearms, sticks, or traditional weapons; using microphones or sound systems; gatherings of five or more people; and holding rallies or processions.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Golam Ferdous issued the order on Wednesday night.
According to the order, both BNP factions had scheduled rallies at the same place and time in the Sonahat Land Port area on Thursday, leading to heightened tensions across the upazila and a potential threat to law and order.
The directive highlighted the importance of Sonahat Land Port for importing stones and coal from neighboring countries, which significantly contributes to government revenue.
Port traders, requesting anonymity, said a group of traders led by AKM Faridul Haque Shahin Shikdar, former general secretary of the upazila unit BNP, held an emergency meeting on Wednesday night. He formed a nine-member convening committee for the Import-Export Association.
Later that night, Saifur Rahman Rana, former general secretary of the Kurigram district unit BNP, arrived at the port with a large group of supporters and announced plans to form a new committee the next day. These conflicting moves escalated tensions between the two groups.
In this regard, UNO Golam Ferdous said: "Section 144 has been enforced, and the two opposing BNP factions have backed down. Police are maintaining strict vigilance, and the situation is now under control."