BNP Factions Clash Over Gazipur Office

A late-night clash between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has left several activists injured and a party office vandalised in Tongi’s Sataish area of Gazipur. The confrontation reportedly occurred at approximately 12:30am on Friday and centred on control of a party office constructed on government-owned khas land.

According to police and local sources, one BNP faction had been operating from a temporary structure erected on the disputed land for an extended period. The premises were allegedly used to coordinate local organisational activities, prepare for political meetings and rallies, and oversee electoral strategy. However, there are claims that no formal government lease or legal allocation had been obtained for the land, raising questions over the legality of the structure.

The dispute escalated when a group led by Belal Laskar reportedly attempted to take possession of the office during the night. Supporters of Mozammel Laskar, identified as Joint Convener of the Tongi West Thana unit of the party’s volunteer wing, resisted the move. Eyewitnesses described an initial verbal altercation that quickly devolved into physical confrontation. Chairs, tables, banners and signboards were reportedly smashed during the melee.

Mozammel Laskar asserted that no party office previously existed in the locality and that he had personally overseen its establishment. He alleged that the opposing faction’s actions were premeditated and politically motivated, aimed at consolidating influence in the aftermath of recent electoral developments. He has called for a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible.

Conversely, leaders aligned with the rival faction contend that the dispute arose from what they describe as an unlawful attempt to exert personal control over government land under the guise of party activity.

Officer-in-Charge Shahin Khan of Tongi West Police Station confirmed that a written complaint has been lodged by one party and that the matter is under investigation. He stated that appropriate legal measures would follow once inquiries are complete.

Summary of Key Details

Political analysts note that intra-party disputes at the local level frequently stem from struggles over organisational control, territorial dominance, and positioning ahead of future elections. The added complication of constructing a political office on unallocated government land may draw administrative scrutiny, potentially extending the dispute beyond party discipline into formal legal proceedings.