Violence erupted in Chakaria municipality of Cox’s Bazar on Saturday afternoon when activists affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly attacked and vandalised the stage of a street rally organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP).
The stage, which was set up on a truck at Janata Shopping Centre, was vandalised at around 4pm, forcing the rally’s cancellation.
The army and police promptly arrived at the scene to disperse the attackers and restore order.
The NCP had planned to hold the rally at 5pm, with central leaders, including NCP convener Nahid Islam, scheduled to speak.
However, tensions escalated following a controversial speech earlier in the day by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari at a rally in Cox’s Bazar town.
In his speech, Patwari criticized BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, referring to alleged misconduct and corruption linked to local political figures.
He remarked, “During the Awami League, Shamim Osman was a famous godfather in Narayanganj. Now I hear the new godfather of Cox’s Bazar has come from Shillong, occupying land and extorting money.” He also vowed to oppose those resistant to reforms.
Following the speech, BNP leaders and activists expressed outrage and took to the streets in Cox’s Bazar and Chakaria, staging processions and chanting slogans in support of Salahuddin.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack on the NCP stage involved individuals armed with sticks who forcibly destroys the setup and vandalised banners and truck windows.
The NCP alleged that activists from the BNP and its student wing, Chhatra Dal, were responsible for the violence.
NCP Central Joint Member Secretary MM Shuja Uddin condemned the attack, stating, “Our rally was disrupted by BNP activists who vandalized the stage. Our leaders and supporters had to leave the area for their safety.”
Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Shafiqul Islam said no stage was demolished but acknowledged that a banner was torn. He said that security forces remained to avoid clashes after receiving the news and noted that NCP leaders left Chakaria without holding the planned event.
The incident highlights the growing political tensions in Cox’s Bazar ahead of upcoming electoral activities.