A teacher’s retirement farewell ceremony at Jagannathpur Government Primary School in Ishwardi, Pabna, was disrupted on Tuesday when followers of district BNP convener Habibur Rahman Habib allegedly attacked the venue. The assault reportedly occurred because Habib was not invited as a guest. Witnesses said 12 to 15 people armed with sticks vandalized the stage, chairs, tables, and banners, and destroyed prepared food, causing an estimated loss of Tk 50,000.

The event had been organized by the school to honor acting head teacher Md Jahurul Islam, with invitations extended to former district BNP president and ex-MP Sirajul Islam Sardar and several education officials. School committee president Md Fazlur Rahman and invited guest Humayun Kabir Dulal Sardar condemned the attack, calling it politically motivated and disgraceful. Upazila Education Officer Shahina Akter also denounced the incident, saying such violence at an educational institution is unacceptable.

Local sources said internal rifts within the BNP in Ishwardi-Atgharia have intensified since the recent national election, leading to repeated clashes between rival factions.