Day-long Highway Blockade in Bhanga; Transportation to Southwest Region Halted

 Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Faridpur District Correspondent:

In protest of the proposed separation of two unions from Bhanga Upazila's Faridpur-4 constituency, locals blocked the highway by felling trees and burning tires, effectively cutting off the gateway for road communication to at least 21 districts. The protest was temporarily suspended for three days at 7 p.m. following an assurance from the Bhanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

The blockade began on Friday (September 5) at 8 a.m. and lasted until 7 p.m., with disruptions at about eight locations, including Pukuria on the Faridpur-Barisal highway and Shuadi and Mansurabad on the Bhanga-Gopalganj route. This halted all vehicle movement through Bhanga, severing road links between Dhaka and the southwestern part of the country. However, emergency vehicles such as ambulances and medicine delivery trucks were allowed to pass.

Although the blockade at Mansurabad was initially suspended around noon following a promise from Bhanga UNO Md. Mizanur Rahman, protesters regrouped at 3 p.m. at the Bhanga Highway Expressway roundabout and the Dakshinpar bus stand on the Faridpur-Barisal-Mawa highway. The renewed protest caused thousands of passenger buses and freight vehicles to become stranded. Despite requests from the administration to lift the blockade, the agitated crowd refused to back down until their demands were met. The blockade was finally temporarily withdrawn for three days at 7 p.m. after the UNO reiterated his assurance.

Bhanga UNO Mizanur Rahman, who came to the scene to speak with the protesters, informed the locals that he would do everything necessary to ensure the Algi and Hamirdi unions remain part of Bhanga. He requested three days to work on the issue.

Protesters' Demands and Concerns

Speakers at the protest said, "Bhanga Upazila is our heritage, our history, our place of honor, and our birthplace. We have been connected with Bhanga for 300 years. This demand is a heartfelt demand of every working person."

They vowed, "As long as we live, we will not be merged with Nagarkanda or Saltha. The movement will continue until the gazette is canceled. We have temporarily suspended the program on the UNO Sir's assurance. If our logical demands are not met, a continuous protest will start, Insha'Allah."

Regarding an unfortunate incident at the end of the peaceful demonstration, the chairman of Algi Union Parishad, M. M. Siddique Mia, said, "Some unruly individuals, hiding for personal gain, vandalized posters, festoons, and cars, capitalizing on our peaceful human chain. I strongly condemn this and am sincerely sorry."

When asked about the protest, Bhanga UNO Mizanur Rahman told journalists, "I have received a memorandum from the residents of the two unions. The matter will be discussed with higher authorities, and measures will be taken."

The protest saw a large and peaceful turnout, including prospective members of parliament for the upcoming 13th general election, chairmen of Algi, Hamirdi, and other unions, freedom fighters, students, farmers, day laborers, and leaders from various political parties.

Background of the Protest

The protest was sparked by a recent decision by the Election Commission (EC). It is noteworthy that on Thursday, the EC published the list of the new boundaries for the 300 parliamentary constituencies for the 13th national parliamentary election. The list proposed separating the Algi and Hamirdi unions from Bhanga Upazila (Faridpur-4 constituency) and merging them with the newly formed Faridpur-2 constituency, which includes Nagarkanda and Saltha Upazilas. Locals have been expressing their anger since the list was published and subsequently announced this road blockade.

The movement, which began with a demand for the amendment of the government gazette, has now become a matter of identity for the people of Bhanga Upazila. They believe the administration will quickly accept their demands.

Instead of separating the two unions from Faridpur-4, locals are demanding the re-establishment of the Faridpur-5 constituency, which would be composed solely of Bhanga. According to local sources, the BNP and its affiliates have announced a human chain program on this issue for Sunday (September 7) through press releases and public announcements.