Tension flared in Daganbhuiyan, Feni, surrounding a rally organized to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day, marked by frequent cocktail explosions and the presence of a specially dressed "Helmet Force."
Organized by the Upazila and Pourashava BNP alongside its associate and affiliate organizations, the program commenced around 4:15 PM on Sunday (November 8, 2026). Panic spread across the town as over 50 crude bombs/cocktails exploded during and after the rally, forcing most shops and business establishments to shut down immediately.
According to eyewitnesses, the rally started from in front of the Government Iqbal Memorial College. As it reached the gate of the Government Atatürk Model High School, several cocktails exploded in the New Sultan Market and Zero Point areas. Pedestrians ran frantically for safety as heavy smoke filled the air. As activists headed toward College Road after the rally, the entire area shook again with the sound of repeated explosions.
The presence of a group of youths guarding the rally caused the most discussion and alarm. Witnesses claimed that about a hundred youths wearing special attire, helmets, and masks, carrying sticks, were escorting the procession. However, neither witnesses nor the police could confirm who triggered the cocktail explosions.
Earlier, the rally paraded through main city roads and concluded with a short meeting at Zero Point. Akbar Hossain, Convenor of Upazila BNP and younger brother of BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo (Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change), spoke as the chief guest.
Read next32nd General Meeting of Brick Manufacturers Owners Association Held in KishoreganjAddressing internal party feuds and recent chaos, Akbar Hossain stated, "BNP is a large party, and differences of opinion may exist. We have called for unity in the party's interest. However, there will be no unity with those who resort to extortion, tender-rigging, and terrorism in the market to embarrass the government. Only those who follow the ideals of Shaheed Zia, Begum Khaleda Zia, and the directives of top leader Tarique Rahman to build a new Bangladesh have the right to be part of BNP. Tarique Rahman's directive is clear—there is no place for terrorists and extortionists in the party."
Asserting that no terrorist would find a place on Daganbhuiyan's soil, he urged leaders and activists to set aside grievances and work together.
The program was attended by District BNP member Saifur Rahman Ratan, Member Secretary Kamrul Uddin, former Upazila BNP Vice President Shahina Akbar, Joint General Secretary Abul Hashem Bahadur, District Jubo Dal Assistant Secretary Ismail Hossain Sabuj, members Shakhawat Hossain Mamun and Hasanuzzaman Shahadat, Upazila Jubo Dal Convenor Kabir Ahammad Diplu, Joint Convenors Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan Hudon, Nasir Uddin, and Jamal Uddin Tinku, Acting Convenor of Pourashava Swechchhasebak Dal Nizam Uddin Haider, Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Shipon, and Chhatra Dal President Samaimul Haq Rajib, among a large number of leaders and activists.
Regarding the incident, Daganbhuiyan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Fayzul Azim Noman stated, "The BNP's program ended peacefully. However, it is not yet known who caused the cocktail explosions."
Local sources reported that internal feuds within the Daganbhuiyan BNP have persisted since the Awami League regime. Following the political changeover on August 5, 2024, these intra-party rivalries escalated significantly. Clashes between the 'Akbar' and 'Fatik' factions of the Upazila BNP have occurred multiple times across various unions. Earlier on September 2, a chase, counter-chase, and brick-batting incident left at least 45 people injured, including journalists and police officers. A year prior on August 5, another clash injured 30 individuals, with two cases currently pending in court. Due to heightened tensions surrounding today's rally, additional police forces were deployed at key points throughout the town from noon.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Fakhrul - Feni Representative • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
