RANGPUR: Local administration Tuesday imposed section 144 in Pirganj upazila to stave off an imminent clash between two rival groups of opposition BNP as they called meetings at the same place.

Additional police have been deployed in the upazila to avert any untoward incident as tensions mounted among the leaders and activists of both the factions, officials said.

Police sources said a group of upazila BNP leader, as per the direction of district convening committee, called a meeting at Abdur Rauf Collage ground for Tuesday. Later, the leaders of their opponent group called another gathering at the same venue at the same time.

“Upazila Nirbahi officer ASM Asaduzzaman slapped the ban at about 10 around the college area to head off the rivals from the collision course,” said one official.

Joint-convenor of the district convening committee Saiful Islam alleged the conference was foiled by managing the administration to immobilize BNP’s activities.

On the other hand, Nur Mohammad Mandal said general leaders and activists of the party halted the meeting.

BDST: 07:25 Hrs, June 22, 2010.
Corr/MS/LY/MUA