Protests against the parliamentary seat redistribution in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur, have entered their second day, with local residents blocking highways and railways.
Protesters stormed the Bhanga police station, vandalised vehicles, and set fire to the upazila office. The incidents occurred under heavy security provided by law enforcement, confirming police reports.
Faridpur Police Superintendent Mohammad Abdul Jalil stated, “We support peaceful protests, but we will prevent any disruption to public life.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SA Kamal Hossain confirmed the vandalism and arson took place around 12pm.
“Thousands of protesters broke open the main gate of the upazila office and caused widespread destruction in the UNO’s office. They looted essential items and computers from various departments and then set the building on fire. We had to flee for our lives,” he said.
Despite the scheduled blockade from 6am to 6pm, protesters were unable to take to the streets initially due to a strong police presence.
However, at 11am, demonstrations began in two locations: in the south of Bhanga town near the Dhaka-Barishal highway and in the Algi Union area along the Dhaka-Khulna highway. Both highways were blocked for some time, causing traffic disruptions.
Earlier, on Sunday, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury condemned the blockade, stating that local protests over parliamentary seat redistribution were not acceptable.
“This is an issue for the Election Commission, which made the decision after considering all arguments,” he said. He added that local residents could address their grievances through proper channels, and road blockades would not be tolerated.
He also issued a stern warning, stating, “If the blockade is not lifted on Monday, law enforcement will be forced to take action.”
According to eyewitnesses, police and Ansar forces were deployed from 6am on Monday. Before 11am, traffic was running smoothly, but at 11am, protesters began blocking the highways by burning tires.
In the Mansurabad area of the Dhaka-Khulna highway, women participated in broom rallies.
Bhanga Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Rokibuzzaman said, “We made every effort to prevent public inconvenience, but protesters arrived in large numbers and blocked both highways at 11am.”
The protests began on Sunday in response to the Election Commission’s decision to transfer the Algi and Hamirdi Unions from the Faridpur-4 constituency to Faridpur-2. The local residents initiated a three-day morning-to-evening road and rail blockade starting September 14.
Algi Union Parishad Chairman Mohammad Siddique, one of the key leaders of the movement, was arrested on Sunday night. Following the deterioration of law and order and acts of vandalism, police filed a case under the speedy trial act, naming 90 individuals and 100 to 150 unnamed accused.
