BNP Faction Seizes Zia Sainik Dal Office in Narayanganj

Internal frictions within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boiled over into a physical confrontation on Saturday evening as a factional dispute led to the forced closure of a party affiliate office. In the Siddhirganj area of Narayanganj, a local BNP leader allegedly evicted the president of the Zia Sainik Dal from his headquarters before padlocking the premises in an assertive display of territorial dominance.

The Eviction Incident

According to eyewitnesses and victims, the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 PM on 14 February. Monir Hossain, the President of the Siddhirganj Thana Zia Sainik Dal, was reportedly presiding over a post-election debriefing with party activists when the office was stormed.

The group of roughly fifty individuals was allegedly led by Gazi Monir Hossain, the former president of the Ward No. 1 BNP under the Narayanganj City Corporation. Victims claim they were forcibly removed from the building before the steel shutters were lowered and secured with locks.

Allegations of Political Elitism

The conflict appears to stem from a dispute regarding the legitimacy of “mainstream” party structures versus affiliate organisations. Monir Hossain (Zia Sainik Dal) recounted the threats made during the takeover:

“Gazi Monir Hossain and his men told me that if I wanted to practice politics in this area, I must do so only through consultation and coordination with the ‘main’ party leaders. They effectively barred us from independent operation.”

In his defence, Gazi Monir Hossain accused the Zia Sainik Dal members of being former affiliates of the ousted Awami League—a common and potent accusation in the current political climate. He maintained that the office would remain shuttered until a formal decision is reached by the district’s top brass.

Leadership and Local Authority Responses

The political hierarchy in Narayanganj appears divided on the matter, as evidenced by the conflicting statements from party officials and law enforcement:

Abdul Barik, the Officer-in-Charge of Siddhirganj Police Station, confirmed that representatives from both factions visited the station. While the police have steered clear of political meddling, the OC noted that the parties had verbally agreed to reopen the office, though it remains to be seen if the padlock will actually be removed without further escalation.