BNP Leader Fatally Shot in Lakshmipur Amid Intra-Party Power Struggle

A local BNP leader’s murder exposes deep divisions within the party. With elections looming, can they unite—or will infighting derail their comeback?

, and Administrator

2025 November 16 . 1:23 PM

1 min read

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BNP Leader Fatally Shot in Lakshmipur Amid Intra-Party Power Struggle

A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, Abul Kalam Zahir, has been shot dead in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, has raised concerns about intra-party feuding within the BNP, which has intensified since the political changeover in August 2024. Zahir, the general secretary of Ward No. 8 BNP under the Chandraganj Union unit, was killed near Mustafa Shop in Paschim Latifpur. Elections are scheduled for February next year, with the BNP hoping to return to power after two decades.

Zahir's killing is suspected to be linked to a power struggle within the local BNP unit. He had previously been involved in drug and soil trading but had distanced himself from these activities. The attack took place at around 8:30pm in village Paschim Latifpur. Zahir is the latest in a series of BNP men killed since the fall of the previous Awami League-led regime. According to a report, 104 BNP men have been killed, with 88 deaths attributed to their own party members. The motive behind Zahir's killing is currently under investigation by Chandraganj Police Station officer-in-charge Faizul Azim.

Zahir's death highlights the ongoing tensions within the BNP ahead of the upcoming elections. The party, anticipating a return to power after two decades, must address these internal issues to present a united front. The police are currently investigating the incident, and the public awaits further details on the motive and potential suspects.