Rival BNP factions clash over reception at Iftar, leaving one dead in Rajshahi

Supporters of two party leaders clash over welcoming the chief guest at an Iftar event

A BNP activist, injured in a clash between two factions in Rajshahi’s Tanore Upazila, has died while undergoing treatment.

Ganiul Islam, 50, succumbed to his injuries at the intensive care unit, or ICU, of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, or RMCH, on Wednesday afternoon.

He was the brother of Abdul Mominul Haque Momin, former president of Panchandar Union BNP.

The clash erupted on Tuesday evening at an Iftar event organised at the premises of Krishnapur Mohila College in Panchandar Union.

BNP activists had gathered to pray for the recovery of party chief Khaleda Zia.

Sharif Uddin, a BNP advisory council member and a candidate hopeful for Rajshahi-1 (Tanore-Godagari) constituency, attended the event as the chief guest.

Supporters of union BNP President Mujibur Rahman and former president Mominul Haque Momin clashed over welcoming him at Krishnapur Mor.

Momin’s supporters wanted to receive Sharif, but Mujibur’s group opposed it, leading to a violent altercation.

Dr Shankar K Biswas, a physician at RMCH’s emergency department, told bdnews24.com that Ganiul suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition before dying at 3pm on Wednesday.

Tanore Police Station chief Afzal Hossain said, “We have received news of Ganiul’s death. His family has been asked to file a case, and legal action will follow.”