BNP Factional Clash: Five UP Chairmen Face Explosives Case in Boalmari; Citizen Services Halted

Since the filing of this case, the regular operations of the council have been hindered. Several members of the affected UP council have reported that this situation is obstructing services to citizens.

It has been reported that a confrontation occurred between two BNP factions at the Boalmari Upazila headquarters on Friday afternoon, November 7. The following night, two separate cases were lodged under the Explosives Act at the police station by both parties. A total of 874 individuals have been named as defendants in these cases, including 224 specific individuals.

According to local sources and police reports, one of the cases was initiated by Mujibur Rahman Babu, a supporter of Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu, who serves as the vice-president of the upazila BNP and is a candidate for party nomination in the Faridpur-1 constituency. He previously held the position of organizing secretary for the former Upazila BNP committee. In his case, 187 individuals have been named, with Khandaker Nasirul Islam, a former MP and vice-president of the Krishak Dal central committee, listed as the primary accused. Additionally, between 200 and 250 unidentified individuals have also been included as defendants.

Upon reviewing the details of the case filed by Mujibur Rahman Babu, it is noted that out of the 10 union parishads in Boalmari upazila, five union parishad chairmen have been accused. These include Gunbaha Union Parishad Chairman Sirajul Islam (57) listed as number 6, Shekhar Union Parishad Chairman Kamal Ahmed (48) at number 22, Satair Union Parishad Chairman Rafiul Alam Mintu (48) at number 112, Dadpur's Mosharraf Hossain Musha (47) at number 113, and Rupapat's Mizanur Rahman Sona Mia (44). Conversations with various members and secretaries of the relevant UP Parishad revealed that the usual functions of these union chairmen are being hindered by the allegations. Some of them leave shortly after arriving at the Parishad. Md. Shafiqul Islam Sardar, a member of Ward No. 7 of Shekhar Union Parishad, stated - The chairman does not attend the Parishad consistently; he comes and departs at irregular intervals. Consequently, we are not receiving the services we require. Furthermore, he pointed out that there is a delay in obtaining the chairman's signature for those seeking other services, such as birth registration.

In response to this issue, Upazila Executive Officer Tanvir Hasan Chowdhury remarked - Instructions will be issued to ensure that there is no interruption in citizen services. Additionally, if such complaints arise, appropriate action will be taken against the respective chairmen in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the complainant in the case, Mojibur Rahman Babu, asserted that these five chairmen are allies of Khandaker Nasirul Islam. He mentioned - Among these five, only Sirajul Islam is affiliated with BNP, while the others belong to Awami League. Since August 5, Khandaker has been seeking refuge with Nasir Saheb and has been providing substantial financial and logistical support for various events. They are the ones who assembled a large crowd and assaulted us on Friday.

However, Dadpur UP Chairman Mosharraf Hossain, who claimed ignorance about the altercation and the case, stated - "I am not involved in BNP politics nor do I have any connections. I have been falsely accused due to conspiracies orchestrated by opponents within the union." Additionally, the Satair UP Chairman mentioned that he is currently in Dhaka for medical reasons, and the mobile numbers of the other three chairmen went unanswered.

On the flip side, Boalmari Upazila BNP President and supporter of Khandaker Nasirul Islam, Advocate Sirajul Islam, has filed another case naming 37 individuals and implicating 300-400 unidentified persons. He serves as the chairman of Gunbaha Union Parishad and is also a defendant in the other case.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Boalmari Police Station, Md. Mahamudul Hasan, stated regarding this matter - Two cases have been registered related to the altercation. Nevertheless, no arrests have been made, and the operation is ongoing.