Rajapur, August 13 (V7N) — Political tensions have escalated in Rajapur, Jhalokathi, after two rival factions of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated youth wing, Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal, announced separate rallies to be held at the same time and location on Wednesday, August 13.

One faction of the Rajapur Upazila BNP has scheduled a rally and procession at the Upazila Market premises to mark the anniversary of the July Uprising. Simultaneously, the local Jubo Dal has announced a separate assembly at the same venue under the banner of its “July/24 Revolution” campaign.

Both groups formally notified local authorities, including Rajapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rahul Chand and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rajapur Police Station Md. Ismail Hossain. However, no clear directive has yet been issued to prevent a possible confrontation.

According to the BNP faction’s letter, their rally will be attended by Abdus Salam, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council and former Deputy Mayor of Dhaka City Corporation, as chief guest. H.M. Saif Ali Khan, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology of the BNP Executive Committee, will serve as the keynote speaker. Other speakers will include Advocate Syed Hossain, Convener of the Jhalokathi District BNP, and Advocate Shahadat Hossain, the District Member Secretary.

Meanwhile, Jubo Dal's event will be led by Md. Robiul Islam Tuhin, Acting Convener of the Jhalokathi District Jubo Dal. Advocate Md. Anisur Rahman Anis will speak as keynote speaker, while Md. Masum Billah Parvez, Convener of the Upazila Jubo Dal, will preside. The event will be moderated by Syed Nazmul Haque, the Upazila Jubo Dal's Member Secretary.

The announcement of dual programs has triggered a wave of heated exchanges on social media. Supporters of both factions have been posting accusatory remarks and digital posters targeting each other. Tensions further escalated on Tuesday afternoon as both groups staged rallies and motorcycle processions, drawing large crowds and a significant police presence at the Upazila Market premises.

Upazila BNP Organizing Secretary Advocate Nur Hossain expressed frustration, stating, “We obtained permission from the administration first. Later, we learned that the Jubo Dal also received approval. What's confusing is that Zakir Hossain Molla, who issued the Jubo Dal’s letter, is also listed as an Organizing Secretary of the Upazila BNP. How can one person represent both factions?”

Multiple attempts to contact Zakir Hossain Molla for comment were unsuccessful.

Upazila BNP President Advocate Talukder Abul Kalam Azad claimed he had no prior knowledge of the conflicting schedules. “It would have been better if both sides had coordinated their programs,” he said.

UNO Rahul Chand stated that neither group sought formal permission. “They only notified us. We are consulting higher authorities to assess the situation,” he said.

OC Md. Ismail Hossain, however, offered a different account, saying, “Both groups were granted approval on instructions from the Deputy Commissioner and the UNO.”

Contradicting that, Jhalokathi Deputy Commissioner Md. Ashraful Rahman said, “No such instructions were issued from our office. The Upazila administration must explain why permissions were granted.”

Local residents have expressed concern that the overlapping rallies could escalate into violence or clashes between rival supporters. Security personnel and community leaders are monitoring the situation in an effort to maintain peace.

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