Tensions flared between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Debidwar, Cumilla, on Sunday afternoon following counter-rallies and demonstrations organised to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The political confrontation escalated into violence when a convoy carrying Rasheda Begum Hira, a Member of Parliament for a reserved women’s seat, came under attack, resulting in vehicle damage near the New Market area of Debidwar municipality.
The trouble began as two opposing groups within the party convened separate events in close proximity. Debidwar Upazila BNP organised a discussion meeting and rally at the New Market square, presided over by Upazila BNP Convener Jasim Uddin. MP Rasheda Begum Hira attended as the chief guest, while Abul Hasem, Convener of Cumilla North District BNP, served as the main speaker. The gathering also drew senior party figures, including BNP Central Executive Committee Member Saidur Rahman Liton and former Central Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary MA Awal Khan.
Concurrently, a faction led by Barrister Rizviul Ahsan Munshi, Joint Convener of Cumilla North District BNP, and former Member Secretary AFM Tareq Munshi held a rival rally at the Debidwar Government Reazuddin Pilot Model High School grounds, with former lawmaker Engineer Monjurul Ahsan Munshi as chief guest. Following their respective assemblies, both groups led processions towards the Upazila Parishad premises.
Stanger unfolded near Kalachan Market as the procession led by Tareq Munshi and Barrister Rizviul crossed paths with MP Hira’s departing party. Eyewitnesses reported that members of the rival faction struck Hira’s vehicle and shouted derogatory slogans against senior leaders, including the party’s Cumilla Division Organising Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiyan. During the melee, the car carrying MA Awal Khan, former General Secretary of Titumir College Student Union, was vandalised. Awal Khan directly accused AFM Tareq Munshi of leading the assault on his vehicle.
Refuting the allegations, Tareq Munshi stated that he had no knowledge of the incident and dismissed the claims as entirely baseless. Meanwhile, MP Rasheda Begum Hira expressed deep concern over the violent disruption, questioning the commitment of those resorting to intimidation during party programmes. She noted that law enforcement officers intervened swiftly to escort her convoy to safety. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Debidwar Police Station Md Moniruzzaman confirmed that police moved rapidly to defuse the situation after the two groups confronted each other, successfully securing the area and escorting the attendees safely from the scene.
