For the second consecutive day, Bhanga Upazila in Faridpur has been paralysed by road blockades as residents protest against the recent redrawing of parliamentary constituencies.
The agitation began after the Election Commission’s gazette notification of September 4, which reconfigured the boundaries of 46 constituencies nationwide. Among the changes, Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga Upazila—previously part of the Faridpur-4 constituency—were merged into Faridpur-2, which comprises Nagarkanda and Saltha upazilas.
Locals argue that the decision tears them away from Bhanga’s socio-political base and amounts to an existential threat. “This is a struggle for existence, a fight to determine our destiny,” residents said while blocking key roads since Wednesday morning. The blockades have cut off road communication between Dhaka and 21 southwestern districts.
Faridpur-4 formerly covered Bhanga, Sadarpur, and Char Bhadasan upazilas, while Faridpur-2 comprised Nagarkanda and Saltha. Protesters are demanding that the gazette be revoked and the two unions reinstated under Faridpur-4.
Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to prevent escalation. Officer-in-Charge of Bhanga Police Station Ashraf Hossain said, “We have deployed sufficient army and police personnel at the upazila compound. No disorder will be tolerated.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mizanur Rahman said the administration had not received any directive on reversing the gazette but acknowledged the continuation of the blockade. “A vested interest group announced plans to besiege the upazila headquarters in the name of the protesters. We have taken security measures accordingly,” he added.
The delimitation has triggered fierce debate across the district, with residents of Algi and Hamirdi insisting they remain tied to Bhanga’s constituency rather than being absorbed into neighbouring Faridpur-2.
