BNP Factions Clash in Debidwar as Reserved-Seat MP's Motorcade Blocked and Cars Vandalised
Tension and clashes broke out between two factions of the BNP in Debidwar, Cumilla, over separate programmes held to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day. On their way back after the rallies, workers of one faction blocked the motorcade of Rasheda Begum Hira, a member of parliament from a reserved seat. Scuffles broke out and cars were vandalised.
On Sunday afternoon, the two BNP factions held their programmes separately at Debidwar New Market Chattar and the Riaz Uddin Pilot High School field.
The programme called by Upazila BNP convener Jasim Uddin had reserved-seat MP Rasheda Begum Hira (in charge of Debidwar) as chief guest. Its special guests were BNP central committee member Liton Sarkar, Cumilla North District BNP convener Md Abul Hashem, and former acting president of Gulshan BNP M A Awal Khan.
The programme called by Upazila BNP member secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad, on the other hand, had BNP standing committee member and former MP Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi as chief guest. Its special guests were former Cumilla North District BNP member secretary A F M Tarek Munshi and District BNP joint convener Rezviul Ahsan Munshi. Former Upazila BNP president Majeda Ahsan Munshi chaired the programme.
According to eyewitnesses, after the two programmes ended, supporters of Manjurul Ahsan Munshi and A F M Tarek Munshi were marching in a rally towards the Upazila Parishad. On the way, near the animal hospital gate on New Market College Road, they came face to face with Rasheda Begum Hira's motorcade.
Munshi's supporters then chanted slogans and blocked the motorcade, leaving MP Hira and the leaders and workers in the motorcade trapped.
At one point, agitated leaders and workers vandalised M A Awal Khan's car. Later, in the presence of police and with the help of Tarek Munshi and other party leaders and workers, the motorcade was escorted out of the area.
MP Rasheda Begum Hira said the commotion, scuffles and car vandalism happened right in front of her. On their way back after attending the Upazila BNP programme, Munshi's workers blocked them. Several people were beaten and cars were vandalised at the time, she said, adding that she will inform senior party leaders about the matter.
A F M Tarek Munshi said their programme ended peacefully after Asr prayers. On the way back, when the other side's motorcade came in front of them, some party workers became agitated. He said he calmed them and tried to bring the situation under control.
Md Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Debidwar police station, said law enforcement was on alert over the two factions' programmes. No written complaint has yet been received over the scuffles, commotion and car vandalism on the way back, he said, adding that legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.
Cumilla North District BNP convener Md Abul Hashem said Debidwar Upazila BNP member secretary Abul Kalam Azad is violating party discipline, creating factionalism and misleading leaders and workers in various ways, which is hampering organisational activities.
Earlier, on Saturday night, it was announced that member secretary Abul Kalam Azad had been relieved of his post on charges of violating party discipline. The BNP's internal dispute in Debidwar came out into the open after the two factions announced separate programmes, and on Sunday afternoon that dispute turned into a clash.
