Supporters of dropped BNP candidate block Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway

A dispute over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s nomination for the Madaripur-1 constituency triggered a blockade on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway on Saturday, as supporters of suspended BNP aspirant Kamal Zaman Nuruddin Molla staged protests demanding the reinstatement of his candidature.

Witnesses said several hundred supporters gathered at Mollar Bazar in Shibchar around 5:30pm, brought out a torch procession, and subsequently blocked both lanes of the expressway. 

Traffic remained halted for nearly 90 minutes, causing long tailbacks on both sides of the highway. The blockade was withdrawn around 7:00pm after protesters issued a three-day ultimatum to the BNP leadership.

Kamal Zaman Nuruddin Molla was announced as the BNP candidate for Madaripur-1 on November 3, but his nomination was suspended the following day on what the party termed “unavoidable grounds.” On December 4, the BNP nominated Nadira Akhter, joint convener of Shibchar upazila BNP, for the seat, sparking anger among Molla’s supporters.

Local BNP leaders said the decision ignored grassroots sentiment and accused the central leadership of sidelining a widely supported organiser without proper explanation.

“We want the party to reinstate Kamal Zaman Molla’s nomination. If the decision is not reversed within three days, we will announce a tougher programme,” said Sajahan Molla Saju, joint convener of Shibchar upazila BNP.

The unrest in Madaripur reflects mounting internal dissent within the BNP, as activists in several districts protest what they describe as abrupt and arbitrary changes to nominations ahead of the national polls.

Aysha Siddika Akashi/MHK