The death of Shakil Islam, a leader of the Chhatra Dal student wing, in Gurudaspur has intensified political tensions within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Natore-4, highlighting a family rivalry involving BNP Member of Parliament Abdul Aziz and his two sons.

Shakil, who served as joint general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in Gurudaspur, was attacked by helmeted assailants wielding sharp weapons on October 14 at Chachkoir Bazarpara. He was initially treated at Gurudaspur Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Rajshahi, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Authorities have detained several suspects in connection with the attack, including two further individuals taken into custody for questioning on October 30. Earlier, police arrested Nooruzzaman Mintu, the elder son of MP Abdul Aziz, who was placed under a three-day remand.

Local BNP and JCD leaders say the family rivalry between Abdul Aziz’s sons—Nooruzzaman Mintu and Mahamuduzzaman Shohag—has disrupted party cohesion in the region since the BNP government came to power. Sources indicated that after Aziz’s election to parliament, he chose his younger son Shohag as his political heir, prompting friction with his elder son Mintu, who had long worked alongside his father. This dispute intensified as Shohag prepared to contest the next upazila parishad chairman election, leading to the formation of rival factions within local party circles.

Imam Hasan Tipu, a former JCD leader, stated that the brothers have each established their own camps to assert dominance, escalating tensions. Moshiur Rahman Bablu, a senior BNP leader and former Gurudaspur municipality mayor, described the situation as damaging BNP’s reputation locally, asserting that the Aziz family’s internal conflict has heavily influenced Gurudaspur politics. Bablu also implicated the family feud as a factor contributing to Shakil’s death. Md Shah Alam, a local JCD leader, confirmed that Shakil was aligned with Shohag’s faction.

The victim’s family, however, has not directly blamed Abdul Aziz or his family for the killing. Shakil’s father, Rabiul Karim, emphasized his pursuit of justice and security following his son’s death, stating that financial aid offered by Aziz was insufficient compared to the need for accountability and protection.

Abdul Aziz dismissed allegations linking his family to the murder, alleging a politically motivated conspiracy orchestrated by individuals affiliated with the ruling Awami League. He acknowledged the rivalry between his sons but described it as a private matter unrelated to politics. Aziz denied any election campaign activities by Shohag and insisted that the police were pursuing the real perpetrators named by the victim’s family, including an Awami League figure currently residing in the United States.

The investigation into Shakil Islam’s death is ongoing as police continue questioning suspects, while local party dynamics remain fraught amid broader political rivalries in Natore-4.