A political dispute erupted in Madhupur Union of Badarganj upazila, Rangpur, on Sunday night when a BNP election rally for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ candidate Md. Ali Sarkar was abruptly taken over by an Awami League leader. According to reports, Upazila BNP General Secretary and former JASAD leader Professor Azizul Haque removed Union BNP President Moksedul Haque from the chair and appointed Ward Awami League President Motka Enamul as the new chair of the meeting. In protest, BNP leaders and activists left the stage.

Local BNP supporters said the incident created tension in the area and could reduce votes for the BNP candidate. Moksedul Haque stated that he was elected by grassroots members and usually presides over all union-level meetings. He criticized the move to replace him with an Awami League leader, calling it damaging to the party’s image. Local BNP activists also warned that rehabilitating Awami League figures could alienate loyal supporters.

Professor Azizul Haque acknowledged the incident, saying party members were upset but that such issues occur in many places and would be resolved soon. He claimed the decision followed instructions from higher authorities and reflected the candidate’s strategy for the election.