Supporters of Amin-ur-Rashid hold torchlight protest in Comilla-6 over nomination denial

PNN News Desk | Comilla

Leaders and activists in Comilla-6 (Sadar) erupted in anger after BNP denied nomination to Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin, an advisor to the BNP Chairperson and long-time Comilla BNP leader. The party instead nominated Monirul Haque Chowdhury. On Tuesday evening, protests and a torchlight march were held across the city.

Eyewitnesses report that around 7:30 p.m., hundreds of supporters emerged from the BNP office in Dhormosagarpara, carrying torches. Slogans included: “We want our leader Yasin Bhai,” “We don’t accept illegal candidates,” “Sacrifices must not be undervalued.” They marched along main city roads and held a rally at Kandirpara Purbali Chottor.

Earlier, on Monday night, Yasin’s supporters also burned tires in protest and blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway for about 90 minutes at Alekharchar area, causing temporary traffic disruption.

Sajjad Hossain, a Jubo Dal leader participating in the protest, said, “Amin Bhai has stood by Comilla BNP in crises, helping with legal matters. It is unjust to exclude him now. We demand that the central leadership reconsider this decision.”

Another female activist said, “We have endured struggles on the streets under his leadership. Now bringing an external candidate is unacceptable.”

Comilla Kotwali Model Police Station OC Md. Mohinul Islam said the situation normalized after the torchlight march, adding, “The demonstrators left shortly, and currently there is no unrest.”

Comilla-6 includes Comilla City Corporation, Adarsha Sadar, Sadar South Upazila, and Cantonment area. After new boundary delineation, Monirul Haque Chowdhury was nominated; he previously contested from Comilla-10.

In 2018, Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin was the BNP candidate in this constituency. His supporters claim he has been active in local politics for years and played a key role in rebuilding party offices and worker organizations.

Local BNP sources said that while one faction protests, supporters of Monirul Haque Chowdhury held victory marches and distributed sweets, claiming the party has now chosen an experienced and acceptable candidate, positively impacting the electoral field.

Central leaders are monitoring the situation closely and have instructed district leaders to ensure both factions remain restrained. A senior Comilla BNP leader, speaking anonymously, said, “This conflict is temporary. In the end, everyone is expected to unite under the Dhanya Sheesh symbol.”