In Sathia, BNP-Jamaat face-off, tension over counter programs

The incident occurred around 8pm on Tuesday at the three-road junction in Sathia municipal area. The officer-in-charge (OC) of Sathia Police Station, Anisur Rahman, confirmed the matter.

According to police and local sources, on Friday (July 24), when local Member of Parliament Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen wanted to lead the Jummah prayers at Aftabnagar Jame Mosque, BNP supporters objected, leading to tension and a scuffle.

Later, Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen held a press conference blaming Prime Minister's Special Assistant Sayed Abdullah for the incident. In protest, BNP held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. There, allegations were made that the Jamaat MP was using religious institutions to establish political dominance.

In continuation, Jamaat activists brought out a protest march in the municipal town in the afternoon. Later in the evening, BNP announced a counter protest march.

Around 7:45pm, when BNP activists were preparing to start a march from their party office, Jamaat activists and supporters took positions at the nearby three-road junction. This sparked tension between the two sides. Upon receiving the news, police arrived at the scene and positioned themselves between the two parties, bringing the situation under control.

Later, the BNP march did not follow the designated route but instead went in a shortened form through the upazila complex to Zulkarnain Square, where a roadside meeting was held before ending.

Meanwhile, after the incident, a tense atmosphere has prevailed in the Sathia municipal area. Local residents said many businesses were closed due to fear.

Sathia municipal BNP General Secretary Sirajul Islam Mallik alleged that to disrupt their program, Jamaat-Shibir activists took positions with local and foreign weapons. He also said BNP would soon announce new programs regarding the matter.

On the other hand, Jamaat denied the allegations of preparing for an attack. Upazila Jamaat Secretary Anisur Rahman said some local activists and supporters gathered there, but there was no plan for an attack. They dispersed at the request of the police. He claimed the allegations of being armed were completely false.

OC of Sathia Police Station Anisur Rahman said that as soon as the two sides faced off, police quickly reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The situation is currently normal. Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.