Clashes Erupt Over Canal Excavation in Kishoreganj

In Pakundia Upazila, Kishoreganj, tensions flared between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during a canal excavation programme on Monday, 23 March 2026. The incident took place in South Khama village, within Egarsindur Union, resulting in minor injuries to several participants and temporary disruption of the civic initiative.

Background of the Incident

Local sources report that the altercation involved supporters of Kishoreganj-2 MP Jalal Uddin and former Central Employment Secretary of BNP Jubo Dal, Khandakar Al Ashraf Mamun. The programme, organised by Mamun, aimed at voluntary excavation of a 1.5-kilometre canal connecting Golduba and Khama, intended to improve local water management and benefit surrounding agricultural lands.

According to Azizul Hakim Mir, former joint secretary of Kishoreganj District Chhatra Dal, tensions escalated when supporters of MP Jalal Uddin allegedly arrived at the site carrying locally made weapons, obstructing the excavation work. “Excitement quickly escalated into a chase between both groups, disrupting the project and leaving several participants injured,” he stated.

Mamun defended the initiative, emphasising that the canal excavation was a public welfare measure under the Prime Minister’s guidance. He claimed: “Some BNP-affiliated individuals launched attacks with crude weapons, causing injuries among volunteers working for the community.”

Conflicting Accounts

Meanwhile, Egarsindur Union BNP President Khurshid Uddin and Union Chhatra Dal President Robiul Alam offered a different perspective. They said that the canal clearing was originally proposed to MP Jalal Uddin for government approval and that many locals were merely attempting to protect their land, taking photographs to document the activity. They denied initiating any attacks, asserting that injuries sustained by the MP’s followers were due to counter-actions by the opposing faction.

Administrative Response

The clash prompted an on-site inspection by Pakundia Upazila Executive Officer Rupam Das and OC SM Arifur Rahman of Pakundia Police Station. The OC reported: “The confrontation arose when one group attempted canal clearing while the other obstructed them. The situation is now under control, and law and order have been restored.”

Rupam Das added that authorities were verifying the incident and indicated that the canal work could continue under proper supervision. MP Jalal Uddin, also BNP Pakundia Upazila convener, stated that he had no personnel present during the incident and was unaware of any official excavation being undertaken by his office.

Key Details of the Clash

Broader Context

The incident highlights intra-party rivalries within BNP and the challenges faced in implementing community welfare projects in politically charged environments. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure that civic initiatives, such as canal excavation aimed at irrigation improvement and flood control, can proceed without interference, balancing political sensitivities with public interest.

The Pakundia administration emphasises lawful coordination and community engagement to prevent future confrontations while advancing infrastructure development projects that benefit local residents.