Tension at New Year Event in Tarakanda as MP and BNP Supporters Clash

Tension, arguments, and physical altercations broke out between a local Member of Parliament and supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during a New Year celebration event in Tarakanda, Mymensingh. The situation was later brought under control with the intervention of the administration, allowing the program to proceed.

The incident occurred around 10:30 AM on Tuesday (April 14) at the Tarakanda Upazila Parishad premises.

According to local sources, a cultural program was organized at the Upazila Parishad auditorium to celebrate the Bengali New Year. Member of Parliament Muhammadullah from the Mymensingh-2 constituency and BNP leader Motahar Hossain Talukdar were present at the venue. A dispute began between supporters of the two groups over entry into the venue, which eventually escalated into pushing and physical clashes.

The MP alleged that several of his supporters, including his nephew Mahadi Hasan, were attacked. He claimed that the incident was a planned assault targeting his supporters.

On the other hand, BNP leader Motahar Hossain Talukdar denied the allegations, stating that although there was a minor verbal argument, no major clash occurred, and he personally tried to calm the situation.

Later in the afternoon around 4 PM, an 11-party alliance organized a protest march over the incident. The procession began in the Tarakanda South Bazar area and ended near the Upazila Parishad premises. During the march, allegations of an attack were raised, and it was reported that one leader was hospitalized with injuries.

Officer-in-Charge of Tarakanda Police Station, Tanvir Ahmed, stated that while there was pushing and shoving between the two sides over entry, the situation was later brought under control and law and order in the area remains normal. He also mentioned that the allegations related to the afternoon protest are being investigated.

Upazila Executive Officer Aminul Islam said that although tension arose briefly, the administration quickly restored order and the scheduled program was completed.

It is worth noting that Muhammadullah was elected from the Mymensingh-2 constituency as a candidate of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, defeating BNP candidate Motahar Hossain Talukdar.

Source: Prothom Alo