Despite protests by a faction of party activists and the imposition of Section 144 by the administration, the Bancharampur Upazila BNP successfully held its conference on Wednesday at the Radhanagar Madrasa ground in Ujanchar Union.
Following the conference, a new committee for the next two years was announced. Mehedi Hasan Palash, joint general secretary of the BNP's Central Krishak Dal, was appointed president, while current committee member-secretary AKM Musa was named general secretary.
The conference’s chief guest, BNP’s Comilla divisional Organizing Secretary Md Selim Bhuiyan, declared the new leadership. Addressing attendees, he said: "Our leader Tarique Rahman has urged us to cooperate with this interim government, and we are doing so. The BNP is the largest political party in Bangladesh.
"Awami League couldn’t sustain their position by conspiring against us, and neither will anyone else. People are now focused on elections. Arrange for elections by February, and we will cooperate with you. When the BNP comes to power, Tarique Rahman as prime minister will restore normalcy in the country," he added.
The conference was initially scheduled to be held at the SM Model Pilot High School ground in the Bancharampur Upazila headquarters. However, due to the imposition of Section 144, the venue had to be relocated.
Supporters of former BNP MP and executive committee member Abdul Khaleq opposed the conference and called for a National Revolution and Solidarity Day discussion at the original venue.
Anticipating a deterioration of law and order, the upazila administration imposed Section 144, restricting gatherings in and around the area.
In response, protesters blocked roads in Krishnanagar, set fire to barricades, and vandalized vehicles, creating tension in the area.
The conference was presided over by Bancharampur Upazila BNP Convener Liakat Ali Farid. Special guests included Professor Aminul Islam, assistant organizing secretary for Rangpur Division, and Brahmanbaria District BNP Member Secretary Sirajul Islam.
From the morning, party leaders and activists from various unions arrived at the venue with colorful banners and festoons. The venue soon filled with supporters, creating a lively atmosphere.