In Mirsarai, Chattogram, BNP leaders and activists defied a Section 144 ban and paid tribute at the Shaheed Minar on March 26. The group, led by former Mirsarai Upazila Chairman and joint convener of Chattogram North District BNP, Nurul Amin’s supporters, gathered despite restrictions and marched while chanting party slogans.
On the afternoon of March 26, over a thousand BNP activists, under the leadership of former member secretary of Mirsarai Upazila BNP, Gazi Nijam Uddin, laid floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar. Despite Section 144 being imposed in the area from 8 AM on March 26 to 8 AM on March 27, they defied the order. After the flower laying ceremony, they were seen marching and chanting slogans before leaving the area.
Gazi Nijam Uddin stated, “We have peacefully broken the 144 section to pay our tribute at the Shaheed Minar. There was no situation that warranted imposing such a restriction. We don’t understand why the administration took this step.”
The Upazila Executive Officer and Magistrate, Mahfuza Zerin, clarified, “Section 144 was imposed from 8 AM on March 26 till 8 AM on March 27 to ensure law and order. However, around 12 PM, a group of BNP activists entered the Upazila Parishad premises with a procession. We have collected video footage of the incident and will take legal action accordingly.”
Earlier, to prevent any potential unrest due to rival factions within BNP, Section 144 was imposed around the Upazila Parishad and within a 500-meter radius. The restriction banned any gatherings, meetings, processions, or the carrying of firearms or explosives. However, the order excluded officials tasked with maintaining law and order and individuals participating in the commemoration of Independence Day.
The imposition of Section 144 was a precautionary measure due to rising tensions between two factions of the BNP following the announcement of a new committee by Chattogram North District BNP leader Golam Akbar Khondkar on March 23. This caused a series of protests and confrontations, including road blockades and violent demonstrations. The administration acted to maintain peace, fearing potential clashes among the factions.
Liberty News political correspondent states that this incident highlights the ongoing internal conflict within the party, which has escalated since the announcement of the new committee.
LND/BG
