Clash Between Two BNP Factions in Feni’s Victory Rally Leaves 15 Injured

A violent clash erupted between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Daganbhuiyan Upazila, Feni District, during a “Victory Rally” organised to commemorate Mass Uprising Day. The incident, which left at least 15 individuals injured, took place on the morning of Tuesday, 5 August, at Zero Point in the Daganbhuiyan municipal town.

Incident Overview

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the rally was part of a centrally-declared programme by BNP to observe the historical Mass Uprising Day. The Daganbhuiyan Upazila and Municipal BNP jointly arranged the event. The rally, which began peacefully from Choumuhani Road, turned violent as it reached Zero Point, where rival BNP activists, allegedly lying in wait, launched a sudden attack.

The attackers reportedly snatched mobile phones, physically assaulted participants, and threw bricks and stones at the rally-goers. This surprise aggression resulted in multiple injuries.

Confirmed Injured Individuals

Among the injured were:

Allegations from the Organisers

Akbar Hossain, Convenor of BNP’s Daganbhuiyan Upazila unit, blamed the attack on:

• Kazi Saifur Rahman Swapan, former General Secretary of Municipal BNP
• Abul Hashem Bahadur, BNP member
• Fatik, an expelled member of Chhatra Dal

Akbar claimed: “We refrained from responding to the assault to avoid chaos. Today’s incident is part of a larger conspiracy to tarnish BNP’s image and implement pro-Awami League agendas by triggering internal violence. But we won’t let that happen. We are remaining calm—and will continue to do so.”

Counterclaims by the Accused

In response, Kazi Saifur Rahman Swapan denied the allegations, stating:

“We were conducting a blood donation programme at Zero Point with our activists when their rally passed by. Some individuals from the rally made derogatory remarks, which led to a verbal confrontation. However, it was swiftly resolved. The claim that I led an attack is false. Rather, our activists—Belal, Sifat, Milon, and two others—were injured in their attack.”

Police Statement

Mohammad Wahid Parvez, Officer-in-Charge of Daganbhuiyan Police Station, confirmed the incident:

“An escalating confrontation between the two BNP factions during the rally was immediately quelled by the police. We are currently investigating the matter.”

This clash further underscores the persistent factionalism within BNP’s local units, which continues to plague its public mobilisation efforts. Police presence and intervention averted what could have become a more severe public disturbance. Investigation outcomes are awaited.