Section 144 imposed as two rival BNP factions clash in Sunamganj

Authorities in Sunamganj’s Dirai have imposed Section 144 in several key areas following heightened tensions between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over competing party rallies.

The restriction will remain in force from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday (August 8) in and around Dirai Thana Point, Baganbari Community Centre, Dirai Bazar and College Road, according to the upazila administration.

The move came after the two factions announced rival programmes at the same venue, triggering processions and counter-processions and raising concerns over a possible deterioration of law and order.

Police said the upazila BNP held a party rally at Dirai Thana Point on Thursday, attended by Sunamganj-2 MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and his supporters.

In response, Moinuddin Chowdhury Masuk, joint convener of Dirai upazila BNP, along with another joint convener of Dirai municipal BNP, called a counter-rally at the same location on Saturday.

As supporters of both sides began holding processions in the area, tensions escalated, prompting the administration to restrict public gatherings and movement in several important locations.

Dirai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanjib Sarker issued the Section 144 order and additional police were deployed at key points to prevent any escalation.

“The situation is normal so far. Additional police have been deployed at important points in Dirai,” Sarker said.