Desk Report,
BNP’s conflict over occupation and elections in Raozan continues unabated
Clashes, gunfire, and mutual killings between BNP leaders and activists in Raojan, Chittagong over encroachment and election nominations have not stopped. The most recent clash between the two sides in the Sattarhat area of Raojan on Tuesday afternoon has left the general public in panic. After this incident, the two strong factions of the local BNP are facing each other. The situation cannot be controlled even after suspending committees and posts.
BNP’s conflict over occupation and elections in Raozan continues unabated
Currently, the leaders and activists of Raojan BNP are followers of two leaders. One of these two leaders is the party’s former vice chairman Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury; the other is Golam Akbar Khandaker, convener of the newly dissolved North District BNP committee. The latest incident of clashes also occurred among the followers of these two leaders. At least 20 people were injured in this. Golam Akbar Khandaker himself was injured by shrapnel.
Both sides have blamed each other for this incident. Opposition leaders and activists have declared Golam Akbar Khandaker undesirable. A protest program was held on this last Wednesday. Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury was held responsible for the incident at a press conference on the same day. This reporter spoke to residents of different areas of the upazila, school and college teachers, cultural activists and BNP leaders and activists about the situation in Raojan after the clash. None of them agreed to speak anonymously for fear of harassment. However, local people told this reporter that the situation is tense after the clash. Violent incidents can happen again at any time.
Local sources said that since the discussion on the national parliament elections has started, the leaders and activists of both parties have started competing to show ‘power’. In addition, clashes and murders are taking place one after another to keep control of Raojan in their hands. Those who have power control the river-based business, sand and brick kilns, brick and sand supply business, and soil and sand supply contractors for filling the bill. Since it is a mountainous border area, wood and liquor are smuggled through Raojan. Raojan is often used as a route for arms smuggling. Conflicts are being created at the local level to control these. Now both sides are occupying the areas they control. After the clash between the two sides last Tuesday afternoon, the Chittagong North District BNP Convening Committee was declared dissolved that night. In addition, the post of Central Committee Vice Chairman Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury was also suspended. The BNP central office formed an investigation committee last Thursday to investigate the Raojan incident. The committee has been assigned to Azizul Bari Helal, Information Secretary of the BNP National Executive Committee. The report is expected to be submitted within seven days.
When asked, the head of the investigation committee, Azizul Bari Helal, told Prothom Alo, “Two candidates are protesting against the upcoming elections in Raojan. Unwanted and sad incidents have already occurred there. I will go to the spot next Sunday and talk to all parties, including leaders, activists, victims.”
