Two rival groups of Khulna BNP held separate rallies on Thursday, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
One group, led by city unit BNP President Nazrul Islam Manju and city Mayor Moniruzzaman Moni, held a rally at Maharaj Square in Khulna, while another group, loyal to former MP Ali Ashgar Lobi, held their rally at the Khulna Press Club Auditorium.
Both the groups, however, demanded the creation of a non-party caretaker government for the holding of a credible and fair election, threatening that they would conduct greater agitation activities if a caretaker system was not restored.
Tension mounted in the city as the two rival groups held their rallies, but, amidst strong vigilance by the law enforcers, no violence was reported.