A violent clash between rival factions of the BNP in Kishoreganj has resulted in the tragic death of a senior party leader. Abul Hasan Ratan, 65, the president of Rauti Union BNP, was killed during a confrontation between supporters of two local party factions in Banail Bazar, Rauti Union, on Saturday morning. The incident, which took place around 11 am, also left five others injured.
Tarail Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC), Sabbir Rahman, confirmed the clash, stating that tensions had been escalating within the party ahead of the Tarail Upazila BNP conference, scheduled for January 15. The rivalry centers on the contest for the Upazila president’s post, with Sarwar Hossain Liton and Saiduzzaman Mostafa both vying for the position. Ratan was a supporter of Mostafa, while his nephew, Gias Uddin, backed Liton.
The conflict between the two factions erupted after a heated verbal exchange between Ratan and his nephew during a meeting on the previous night. As tensions built, supporters from both sides clashed in Banail Bazar the following morning, using local weapons, including a bamboo stick with a sharp iron end. Ratan was struck in the chest during the altercation and was later pronounced dead at the Upazila Health Complex.
Abul Hasan Ratan, 65, the president of Rauti Union BNP
Following the incident, the district BNP announced the postponement of the January 15 Upazila committee conference. A press release issued by District BNP Office Secretary Mir Kamrul Hasan cited the ongoing violence as the reason for the delay.
Police quickly arrived at the scene to restore order, but no arrests have been made as investigations continue. Tarail Police Station Inspector Shyamal Mia confirmed that Ratan’s body would be sent to Kishoreganj District Sadar Hospital for an autopsy. The other injured individuals have been transferred to hospitals in Mymensingh and Kishoreganj District.
The violence has deeply shaken local BNP leaders, many of whom are calling for peace and unity within the party to avoid further escalation.
