Clash erupts between BNP, NCP during EC hearing on Brahmanbaria constituencies

The first day of the Election Commission’s (EC) hearing on the proposed boundary changes for Brahmanbaria-2 and 3 constituencies descended into chaos as supporters of the BNP and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) engaged in a physical altercation in front of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

The hearing, which began at 12:00 PM at the Election Commission headquarters in the presence of CEC A M M Nasir Uddin, turned unruly when rival factions clashed over the draft delimitation proposals. Tensions flared as supporters of BNP leader and former MP Barrister Rumeen Farhana and activists from the NCP exchanged heated words, which soon escalated into pushing and shoving.

According to EC sources, multiple applications had been submitted both supporting and opposing the draft boundaries. During the hearing, both parties presented their positions, with Barrister Rumeen Farhana arguing in favor of the EC’s proposed draft. Opposing views were raised by several other participants, including representatives of the NCP.

Eyewitnesses reported that the scuffle broke out when NCP members attempted to voice their demand to retain Bijoynagar under Brahmanbaria-3. Ayatullah, Joint Chief Organizer of the NCP, alleged that he was attacked by BNP supporters during the session.

“We went to present our case peacefully, but were attacked by supporters of Rumeen Farhana,” Ayatullah told reporters.

Responding to the allegation, Barrister Rumeen Farhana claimed her supporters acted in self-defense.

“They pushed us first. My supporters simply responded to that aggression,” she said. When asked about the physical assault on NCP members, she added, “We didn’t check whether they were from NCP-Jamaat or just hired thugs.”

Election Commission staff, including Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, intervened to control the situation. The hearing was eventually concluded, and attendees were requested to vacate the room to prevent further escalation.

The EC is expected to review all submissions before finalizing the boundaries for the upcoming parliamentary elections.