One group is backed by local BNP leader and municipality chairman Khalilur Rahman and the other group by former lawmaker Abdul Wahab.

Initially, the internal feud in the party surfaced in June last year as two rival factions clashed over establishment of supremacy in the area.

At least seven incidents of clash took place between the rival groups in several months, according to party insiders.

The feud surfaced again on Thursday when Wahab's supporters, in a tender manipulation, allegedly prevented Khalil's supporters from buying schedules for leasing local hats and bazaars, witnesses said.

After a while, supporters of both the groups locked in scuffle and chased each other.

The rival groups, equipped with lethal weapons, locked in a clash on Sunday evening. On information police and members of joint forces intervened and brought the situation under control.

On Monday afternoon, the rival groups held separate processions and chanted slogans against each other dividing the party.

The division has frustrated both the leaders and activists alike, sources in the party said.