Faridpur’s Bhanga residents call indefinite strike from Sunday over constituency demarcation
The programme is expected to completely cut off Dhaka’s communication with 21 southern districts
Residents of Bhanga upazila in Faridpur have announced an indefinite strike starting Sunday (14 Sepetember) morning, protesting the Election Commission's decision to attach Algi and Hamirdi unions of Faridpur-4 constituency to Faridpur-2. They said they have no option but to go for continuous demonstrations until their demand is met.
Algi Union Chairman MM Siddiq Mia announced the programme last evening (11 September). He said, "Thousands of people have supported the movement for four consecutive days and I express gratitude to all. Road blockades will be suspended on Friday, but if the Election Commission does not revise its decision by Saturday, continuous blockades will begin on Sunday."
According to the Bhanga upazila all-party combined committee, road and rail communication in the upazila will remain blocked from 6am to 1pm tomorrow (13 September). From 6am Sunday, they will enforce a continuous blockade that will persist until the two unions are reinstated in Faridpur-4.
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The programme is expected to completely cut off Dhaka's communication with 21 southern districts, causing immense suffering for travellers.
Locals said, the two unions have been part of Bhanga for the past 118 years. They criticised the government and the Election Commission for ignoring this historical connection and accused them of evading responsibility. Although there had been a demand to split Faridpur-4 into two constituencies, the Election Commission instead published a gazette attaching the two unions to Faridpur-2.
In continuation of the protests, residents earlier lifted blockades following assurances from the administration, but when no decision was taken, they resumed them. After issuing a three-day ultimatum, locals blocked the highway again on Tuesday (9 September), which continued until yesterday (11 September).
As the demand has not yet been fulfilled, the new indefinite programme has now been declared, raising concerns of further disruption and public suffering along the route.
