The BNP has expelled Akbar Ali, vice-president of Joynagar union BNP in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi, following allegations of vandalism at a college, assault on teachers and inappropriate behaviour with a female lecturer.
The decision was announced on Friday in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
The statement said Akbar Ali violated party discipline, ideology and organisational rules. The party removed him from all posts, including primary membership.
The expulsion followed a violent incident at Daokandi Government University College on Thursday, when a second-year degree examination for 2024 was underway. Authorities had imposed Section 144 in and around the exam centre, and police remained deployed on campus.
Witnesses, teachers and police said 20 to 30 BNP leaders and activists entered the principal’s office defying restrictions. They first engaged in an argument over multiple issues, including allegations of corruption and past irregularities at the institution.
Tension escalated rapidly into violence. The principal and several teachers came under attack. The college office was vandalised during the incident.
The injured include Principal Md Abdur Razzaque, lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, Professor Rezaul Karim Alam, and two other staff members. They were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment. Doctors said the principal and Aleya Khatun Hira were in critical condition.
Teachers alleged that police were present at the scene but failed to stop the violence effectively.
Following the incident, panic spread among examinees. Some teachers and students fled examination halls in fear, disrupting the ongoing exam atmosphere.
Teachers further alleged that the attack was linked to long-standing pressure for extortion. Principal Md Abdur Razzaque said “Several groups had been demanding large sums of money from me after I assumed charge.”
He claimed he refused to comply, which may have triggered the attack.
Female lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira also mentions she faced repeated pressure in the name of accounts and financial dealings.
She claims “The attackers regularly visited the college demanding money and threatened officials.”
She added that supporting the principal had made her a target.
However, BNP leader Akbar Ali rejected the allegations. He said “Corruption and irregularities had been ongoing at the college for a long time.”
He claimed the confrontation began when teachers reacted aggressively during discussions on accountability. He also alleged that lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira first attacked party activists.
A separate account from a local source said “Some individuals went to the college to distribute invitations for a religious programme scheduled for 4 and 5 May at Daokandi High School field. They claimed they entered the campus with the principal’s permission and were accompanied by BNP-linked individuals. They also said they intended to discuss financial support for the programme when the situation turned violent.”
A video of the incident later went viral on social media. It showed an argument between a teacher and BNP activists. At one stage, the female teacher slapped Akbar Ali. In response, Akbar Ali removed his shoe and allegedly struck her. The confrontation continued for some time while bystanders remained largely passive.
Durgapur Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Rafiqul Islam said “Police were already present due to security concerns.”
He said they tried repeatedly to calm the situation through discussions with both sides. However, despite restrictions, some individuals entered the campus and carried out the attack and vandalism.
Durgapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Panchanan Sarkar said “Police were sent to the scene immediately and brought the situation under control.”
He added he had recently joined the station and was treating the matter with priority.
“No written complaint or case had been filed yet, but legal action would follow after investigation” Panchanan Sarkar said.
