A Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader suffered burn injuries on Monday after catching fire in his body during a protest demanding cancellation of a BNP nomination in Rajshahi.

The incident occurred in the Chouddopai area near Rajshahi University on the Rajshahi-Dhaka highway in the afternoon, when protesters set tires on fire.

The injured Shahidul Islam is the former organizing secretary of the Rajshahi district unit of JCD.

He was first taken to Rajshahi University Medical Centre for primary treatment and later shifted to the burn unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread to Shahidul’s body suddenly while he was lighting the tires.

He screamed for help and tried to run, while fellow activists rushed to him, tore off his burning clothes, and put out the flames.

Shahidul is known as a supporter of Nasir Hossain Osthir, son of late BNP leader and former state minister for land Advocate Kabir Hossain.

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Supporters of Nasir staged the protest after he was denied BNP’s nomination for the Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohonpur) constituency in the upcoming 13th national election.

The BNP nominated its central relief and rehabilitation affairs assistant secretary Shafiqul Haque Milon for the seat instead.

Protesters said Nasir had been working for the party in the constituency for many years and was active in past movements.

They expressed anger that a dedicated local leader was overlooked in favour of another candidate.