The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Barishal has plunged into chaos amid fierce internal conflicts over parliamentary nominations. Across the six districts and 21 constituencies in the division, party leaders and activists are sharply divided into rival groups. In most constituencies, disagreements have escalated so severely that some leaders refuse to communicate or even appear together in public.

In Barishal-1, three senior figures — Zahid Uddin Swapan, Akon Kuddusur Rahman, and Abdus Sobahan — are locked in a prolonged power struggle. Supporters engage in online mudslinging, highlighting the deep rift within the local BNP. Similar divisions plague other constituencies. In Barishal-2, candidate hopeful Sarfuddin Santu faces backlash for allegedly sidelining fellow activists.

The feud extends further — in Barishal-3, party heavyweights Begum Selima Rahman and Advocate Zainal Abedin lead rival camps, while in Barishal-4, Rajib Ahsan and Mesbahuddin Farhad’s supporters frequently hold competing rallies. In Barishal-5, the situation is even more complex, with multiple senior leaders like former minister Mojibur Rahman Sarwar and others leading their own factions.

Barishal-6 has already witnessed clashes between supporters of Abul Hossain Khan and Nazrul Islam Rajon, exposing the party’s internal tension ahead of nominations.

Despite the ongoing rifts, BNP central leaders insist such disputes are part of “democratic competition.” However, political analysts warn that unresolved factionalism could weaken the party’s organizational strength before the general election.