Noakhali BNP Factions Clash Over Farmland Topsoil Sales

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NOAKHALI, Bangladesh – Rival factions of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clashed Thursday night in Senbagh over the sale of agricultural land soil, resulting in a motorcycle being set ablaze and stone-pelting. Police intervened to bring the situation under control in Uttar Shahapur village, though reports of casualties remain unconfirmed.

The confrontation erupted around 9 p.m. in the Pubali Bricks area of Kabipur Union after one group attempted to excavate soil from farmland. The dispute quickly escalated into a chase and physical altercation, with both sides exchanging bricks and stones.

The origin of the conflict dates back to the tenure of the previous Awami League government when Abdul Ahad, then convener of the Kabipur Union Jubo League, purchased soil from local landowners. Following the change in government, Ahad reportedly sold the soil rights to Md. Fakir, a BNP activist from Mohidipur village.

The latest clash occurred when Fakir’s associates began cutting soil. They were confronted by another group of local BNP activists, including Md. Mujib, Md. Ashraful, and Md. Tarek, who obstructed their work, leading to a verbal spat that spiraled into violence.

Abdul Ahad stated that after the Awami League’s removal from power, local BNP members initially prevented him from extracting soil. He then sold the rights to Fakir, who subsequently faced similar obstruction from other members of his own party. Ahad claimed he was in Chittagong during Thursday night’s incident.

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Md. Mujib, one of the obstructing BNP activists, denied personal involvement in blocking the sale. He asserted that local residents opposed the excavation because cutting soil from agricultural land for brick kilns is illegal, and his group was acting on behalf of the community. Mujib also alleged that the villagers were attacked during the confrontation.

Attempts to contact Md. Fakir were unsuccessful. Sheikh Mostafizur Rahman, president of the Kabipur Union BNP, declined to comment on the matter when contacted.

Md. Abul Bashar, Officer-in-Charge of Senbagh Police Station, confirmed the incident, stating that a clash erupted between two factions over agricultural land soil, during which a motorcycle was set on fire. He added that police brought the situation under control upon arrival and would investigate and take legal action if a formal complaint is filed.