Fraction of BNP supporters block roads, vandalise vehicles over nomination in Madaripur

Supporters of a BNP candidate denied nomination staged protests, blocked roads, vandalised vehicles and set fire to tyres in Madaripur-1 on Monday evening following the party’s candidate announcement.

Earlier in the day, BNP announced Jaman Kamal Nuruddin Molla as its nominated candidate for Madaripur-1. This triggered anger among supporters of Sajjad Hossain Lavlu Siddiqui, the candidate who was denied the party ticket.

The protesters set tyres on fire and blocked the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway around 7 PM, damaging several vehicles and causing severe traffic disruption. Passengers faced significant inconvenience due to the prolonged road blockade.

Police arrived promptly at the scene and restored order, deploying additional forces to maintain law and order. A police officer confirmed that the situation is now under control.

Lavlu Siddiqui’s supporters raised questions over the nomination process, noting that Molla’s brother previously served as co-president of Shibchar Upazila Awami League and chairman of the Upazila Parishad, sparking controversy within the BNP ranks.

BNP sources said that while some local leaders and activists expressed dissatisfaction through protests, central party leaders have urged calm and patience.

Jaman Kamal Nuruddin Molla is a member of the Shibchar Upazila BNP executive committee, while Sajjad Hossain Lavlu Siddiqui, a former BNP nominee in 2018, serves as the district party’s joint convener.

Shibchar Police Station OC Rakibul Islam confirmed that the protest involved tyre burning but said the situation has returned to normal.

AHS/NSA