BNP supporters block rail line, Dhaka-Ctg highway in Sitakunda over nomination dispute
The blockade on several points was lifted around 10:45pm, allowing traffic to resume on the highway
Supporters of BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury blocked both the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway and the rail line at multiple points today (3 November), causing widespread disruption in protest of the party's nomination of Kazi Salah Uddin for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the upcoming general election.
The blockade on the highway created severe traffic congestion, while railway operations were severely affected.
Later, around 10:30pm, Alhaj Md Morsalin, former president of Chattogram North District Swechasebak Dal and a member of Sitakunda thana BNP, instructed party leaders and activists to withdraw the blockade on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.
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About 15 minutes later, at around 10:45pm, the blockades at several points — including Fauzdarhat, Banglabazar, and Bhatiari — were lifted, allowing traffic to resume on the highway.
Anisur Rahman, divisional transport officer of Bangladesh Railway (Chattogram), told TBS that at least six trains on different routes were halted due to the protest.
Among the affected services were the Nasirabad Express at Sitakunda, Chattola Express at Kumira, and Paharika Express at Borotakia.
Additionally, the Udayan and Turna trains were unable to depart, leaving passengers stranded.
The supporters of Aslam Chowdhury took to the street around 7pm, causing severe suffering for thousands of commuters and transport workers.
Abdul Momin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Baroauliya Highway Police Station, told The Business Standard, "Supporters of Aslam Chowdhury blocked the highway at Fouzdarhat, Bhatiary, and Baroauliya areas. At Bhatiary, they occupied both lanes of the highway, halting all traffic movement."
He added that police were trying to negotiate with the protesters to lift the blockade, but "the supporters are not responding to our requests."
According to police sources, vehicles on both sides of the highway were stuck in long queues, disrupting inter-district transport and freight movement between Dhaka and Chattogram.
The protest erupted after the BNP's central leadership nominated Kazi Salah Uddin, convener of the Chattogram North District BNP, denying party joint secretary Aslam Chowdhury the ticket for the Sitakunda seat.
Repeated attempts to contact Aslam Chowdhury for comment went unanswered.
