BNP Rivalry Escalates, Supporter Stabbed to Death

In Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat-Dhobawra) constituency, a supporter of independent BNP candidate Salman Omar was fatally stabbed on Friday evening, in an attack reportedly led by two local political figures. Eyewitnesses and local residents confirmed the identities of those involved in the assault.

The incident occurred in Ershad Bazar, Dhobawra Upazila, following an altercation during the inauguration of Salman Omar’s election office. The victim, Nazrul Islam (40), a resident of Bakpara Ramsinghapur in South Maijpara Union, was attacked outside the office. He was rushed to the Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that Abdullah Al Noman and Azharul Islam led the attack. Noman is the grandson of former Dhobawra BNP president and Upazila Chairman Mofiz Uddin and is actively involved with the BNP’s youth wing, while Azharul is a BNP activist. Mofiz Uddin, though largely retired due to age, still wields influence through party connections.

Mofiz Uddin later stated, “Following the inauguration, a verbal dispute escalated between the groups. Azharul assaulted him, and my grandson Noman struck with a knife. It is deeply regrettable; such acts should never occur.”

Nazrul Islam’s family held a protest in Dhobawra Upazila town after the autopsy. The demonstration was led by Salman Omar’s supporters and included slogans demanding justice, particularly targeting BNP Joint Secretary Syed Emran Saleh, who is contesting from the same constituency. The protest march traversed various market streets, concluding with a human chain and memorandum submission at the Upazila Parishad. Following the memorial, the first funeral prayers were performed at the Upazila Parishad grounds, before the body was taken to the family home for burial later in the evening.

Nazrul’s eldest son, Md. Solaiman, said, “My father always helped people, yet he was brutally murdered. We demand the death penalty for the killers and urge the authorities to ensure justice.”

The police have filed a case naming three arrested individuals and several others.

Police confirmed that additional arrests are being pursued. Eyewitnesses reported that bloodstains remain visible at the scene, where Nazrul fell after being stabbed outside a shop. Local shopkeeper Saiful Islam said, “After the office inauguration, the attackers insisted no independent candidate office could operate here, leading to the confrontation. I closed my shop amid the chaos.”