Dhaka, Jan. 3 -- Former Chattogram North District BNP convenor Golam Akbar Khondakar has asserted that the recent wave of killings in Raozan stems from extortion, encroachment, and disputes over the sand trade rather than political rivalry.

Speaking after the scrutiny of nomination papers at the Chattogram deputy commissioner's office on Saturday, Akbar dismissed claims that political divisions led to the bloodshed.

"The violence in Raozan was not triggered by political friction or a struggle for dominance. It was entirely fuelled by illegal occupation, the sand and soil trade, and extortion in brick fields," he said.

He clarified that the conflict did not involve two BNP factions fighting for control, a sentiment he claimed is shared ...