Political tensions have flared in Laxmipur after local leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) brought out a massive protest rally accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, of carrying out targeted attacks.
Organized under the banner of the Chandraganj Upazila unit BNP, the protest was held at Mandari Bazar on Monday evening (May 25). Hundreds of participants marched through local thoroughfares and the main Laxmipur-Dhaka highway, demanding accountability for the violence.
The protest was led by senior regional leaders, including Chandraganj Upazila BNP President Belal Hossain and General Secretary M Yusuf Bhuiyan, alongside other union-level organizers.
According to local party leadership, the rally was triggered by recent physical assaults on BNP workers—including a local leader identified as "Akhter Member"—as well as the systematic destruction and tearing down of BNP banners and promotional posters in the area.
Speaking at the rally, Chandraganj Upazila BNP President Belal Hossain delivered a sharp warning to Jamaat-e-Islami, pointing to historical political friction and accusing them of acting in alignment with the ousted Awami League.
"The public knows exactly what role Jamaat has played over the last 17 years," Hossain stated. "When misunderstandings arose locally, we invited you to the discussion table. Instead of dialogue, you chose to respond with threats and arrogance."
He further added that the BNP's restraint should not be misinterpreted by political rivals: "Do not create a smokescreen by shouting and spreading falsehoods. BNP is an exceptionally alert and self-sufficient party today. We have the strength to be patient, but do not mistake this patience for weakness."
Local law enforcement has stepped up vigilance along the highway and surrounding marketplaces to prevent any further escalation or retaliatory clashes between the two parties.
