Residents demand convenient location for North Fatikchhari Upazila headquarters, block highway

Residents of Chattogram's newly formed Fatikchhari North upazila observed a dawn-to-dusk shutdown today (16 July), demanding that the upazila headquarters be established at a geographically convenient and publicly accessible location.

As part of the programme, protesters blocked sections of the Baraiyarhat-Khagrachhari regional highway at Heyako Bazar, disrupting traffic on the route.

The shutdown, called by the Fatikchhari North Upazila Implementation Coordination Council, began at 9am and is scheduled to continue until 6pm.

According to local residents, processions from several villages under Baganbazar, Dantmara and Narayanhat unions gathered at Narayanhat and Heyako Bazar before staging demonstrations. Protesters also placed trucks and felled trees at several points on the road, partially obstructing traffic.

Demonstrators said locating the administrative headquarters at one end of the upazila would create significant difficulties for residents in other parts of the area in accessing government services. They demanded that the headquarters be established at a location acceptable to all, taking geographical accessibility into consideration.

Bhujpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bipul Chandra Dey told The Business Standard that the programme was not organised by any political party or directed against any individual or institution.

"The residents are peacefully observing the shutdown in support of their demand. Although there are barricades at some points, traffic has not come to a complete halt, and no major congestion has been reported," he said.

The OC added that additional police had been deployed to maintain law and order. No incidents of vandalism, arson or casualties had been reported, and protesters were allowing emergency vehicles to pass.

Police said demonstrators were continuing their programme at Heyako Bazar at the time of filing this report.