Protests Over Constituency Realignment Disrupt Traffic in 21 Districts

In protest against the removal of two unions from Bhanga under the Faridpur-4 constituency, locals blocked the Faridpur-Barishal highway by felling trees, causing widespread demonstrations. This has halted the movement of goods and passenger vehicles across 21 districts in the south-western region.

The blockade began after 8 a.m. on Friday at Pukuria on the Faridpur-Barishal highway, as well as at Soyadi and Monsurabad on the Bhanga-Gopalganj route. As a result, all vehicular movement through Bhanga has been suspended since Friday morning.

According to reports, on Thursday (September 4), the Election Commission (EC) published the redrawn boundaries for 300 parliamentary constituencies for the upcoming 13th national election. Under this realignment, Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga Upazila, previously part of Faridpur-4, were included in the Faridpur-2 constituency, which comprises Nagarkanda and Saltha upazilas. Locals expressed anger over the EC’s decision and announced the highway blockade program in response. Eyewitnesses reported that, as per the announcement, protesters began blocking the highway at Pukuria, Soyadi, and Monsurabad on Friday morning by felling trees and burning tires. They demanded the reinstatement of the Faridpur-5 constituency, comprising Bhanga, instead of removing the two unions from Faridpur-4. Bhanga Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Rokibuzzaman said that locals were holding protests and marches at two points on the Faridpur-Bhanga-Barishal highway—Pukuria Bus Stand and Hamirdi Bus Stand—as well as at Monsurabad Bus Stand on the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga-Khulna highway. This has completely stopped all vehicular movement on these routes. Locals alleged that the decision to merge the two unions with Faridpur-2 disregards Bhanga’s interests and history. They demanded the cancellation of the government’s decision. Mizanur Rahman from Annotation Union stated, “Our voting rights and interests cannot be ignored like this. We will continue our peaceful movement. The two unions must remain within Bhanga Upazila.” Hamirdi Union Chairman Khokon said, “The highway has been blocked due to the government’s decision. Our demands must be met.” Bhanga Upazila Executive Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman commented, “I have spoken to the DC regarding your demands. I assure you that we will discuss this with higher authorities soon.”