Sitakunda Highway Blockade and Violence: Four BNP Leaders Expelled

Nov 04, 2025
Politics

Photo: Supporters of BNP’s former Joint Secretary Aslam Chowdhury block the Dhaka-Chittagong highway by setting tires on fire at various points. The photo shows the scene in Batiary, Sitakunda, Chittagong, Monday night. (Collected)

PNN News Desk | Chittagong:

The BNP has expelled four leaders of its volunteer and youth wings for obstructing the Dhaka–Chittagong highway, arson, and acts of violence in Sitakunda over party nominations. The announcement was made in a press release signed by senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday night.

The expelled leaders are Alaudin, President of Sitakunda Upazila Volunteer Group; Helal Uddin Babar, General Secretary; Md. Mamun, Convener of Sitakunda Municipal Volunteer Group; and Momin Uddin, General Secretary of Sonai Chhari Unit of the Youth Wing.

According to the BNP’s media cell, the expelled leaders were involved in violent acts, confrontations, highway obstruction, and activities against public interest following the announcement of party nominations.

Earlier, on Monday afternoon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the candidates for 237 constituencies at the party’s political office in Gulshan. Kazi Mohammad Salauddin was nominated for Chittagong-4 (Sitakunda), while former central Joint Secretary Aslam Chowdhury was left out.

Following the announcement, Aslam Chowdhury’s supporters staged protests by burning tires on the highway in Batiary, Solimpur, and other areas. At around 9 PM, they set fire to railway tracks near Batiary Railway Station, halting train operations.

By 11 PM, Aslam Chowdhury instructed his supporters to disperse, and traffic resumed. Chittagong North District Volunteer Group’s former president Md. Morsalin said, “Workers protested due to Aslam Bhai not receiving the nomination, but everyone left when he gave instructions.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Kazi Mohammad Salauddin held celebratory marches in Banshbaria and Barbokund after the nomination. Upazila BNP member secretary Kazi Mohammad Mahiuddin stated, “There is no division within the party regarding nominations. Aslam Chowdhury and BNP complement each other. Everyone must respect the high command’s decision and work for the candidate’s victory.”

The expulsion of the four leaders is seen as a measure to maintain internal party discipline.