SM Abdullah Saud, Kalai Upazila Correspondent
Extreme tension has arisen in Kalai Upazila of Joypurhat over the announcement of BNP ward committees. The administration has taken swift action and imposed Section 144 after fears of clashes arose between the two parties over the announcement of committees for 9 wards of Punat Union.
On Sunday afternoon, the committees of 9 wards were announced at the Punat Union BNP office in the presence of the upazila and union BNP conveners through a voice vote of the councilors. But immediately after the committee was announced, a group led by former MP Engineer Golam Mostafa took to the streets to protest. They alleged that pocket committees have been formed in the dark of night while sitting at home, which they will not accept in any way.
On the other hand, Upazila BNP convener Ibrahim Hossain claimed that the committee was announced systematically in accordance with the constitution. But a group of people led by Golam Mustafa, armed with local weapons, came to Punat and created chaos, which is against the party's discipline.
Party workers led by former MP Golam Mostafa gathered at the Punat bus stand area with indigenous weapons demanding the cancellation of the committee. Leaders and workers of the declared committee also took a stand to resist them, resulting in extreme tension in the area. The administration took quick action fearing clashes.
A notice signed by Kalai Upazila Executive Officer (Acting) and Executive Magistrate Md. Iftekar Rahman said, “Section 144 has been imposed in the entire Punat Union, including Punat Bus Stand, from 3 pm on Sunday to 8 am on Monday due to the deterioration of the law and order situation and fear of loss of life and property.”
Kalai Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahid Hossain warned, "If anyone tries to disrupt law and order by violating Section 144, strict action will be taken. The situation is currently calm."
Former MP Engineer Golam Mostafa did not answer his phone despite repeated attempts to contact him. However, his close aide and district BNP convening committee member Anisur Rahman Talukder said, "The committee was formed secretly in the dark of night, which we do not accept. The committee will have to be re-announced in accordance with the constitution. We went back peacefully, but had to return due to administrative obstacles."
Although the situation has calmed down for the time being after the imposition of Section 144, there is still tension between the two sides. The administration is keeping a close watch as there is a risk of renewed clashes at any moment.
