Vehicular movement on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway was suspended for around two hours on Tuesday after supporters of BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury blocked the road in Sitakunda, protesting the Appellate Division’s decision to cancel his nomination in Chattogram-4 constituency over a loan default issue.
Witnesses said the protesters took to the highway at Chhoto Darogarhat around 4pm soon after the court order was announced.
They blocked the road using tree logs and staged demonstrations, chanting slogans demanding restoration of Aslam Chowdhury’s candidature. The protesters also called for him to be recognised as the elected representative of Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency.
The blockade caused a traffic tailback stretching nearly 40 kilometres, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Traffic on the Chattogram-bound lane resumed around 6pm after law enforcers removed the barricades.
Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Fakhrul Islam and Officer-in-Charge of Sitakunda Model Police Station Mohinul Islam visited the spot as police and other law enforcement personnel worked to clear the highway and restore normal traffic flow.
Officer-in-Charge of Baro Awlia Highway Police Station Mohammad Adil Mahmud said the situation was brought under control after two hours of efforts.
Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court cancelled BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination for the Chattogram-4 constituency.
The official result of the parliamentary seat, which went to polls on February 12, has yet to be declared.
