48-hour shutdown over Fatikchhari North Upazila HQ cripples highway traffic

A 48-hour shutdown demanding the relocation of the headquarters (HQ) of the newly formed Fatikchhari North Upazila brought traffic on the Dhaka–Feni–Khagrachhari regional highway (Fatikchhari section) to a near standstill.

The shutdown began on Sunday morning (July 26), causing widespread disruption to commuters and transport operators.

Activists of the Fatikchhari North Upazila Implementation Council enforced the shutdown through road blockades, protest marches and burning tyres, insisting that the upazila headquarters be established at what they described as a "more logical and accessible" location.

The shutdown significantly disrupted traffic on both the Feni–Khagrachhari–Dhaka regional highway and the Pelagazi Dighi–Heyako road, with buses, trucks, freight vehicles and CNG-run auto-rickshaws remaining off the roads for several hours.

Despite the transport disruption, emergency services remained largely unaffected. Most businesses in Narayanhat, Dantmara, Shantirhat, Heyako, Chikonchhara and Baganbazar stayed closed, while pharmacies, clinics, educational institutions and shops selling essential goods remained open.

Protesters staged demonstrations and rallies at more than 20 locations, including Balutila, Chikonchhara, Heyako, Dantmara, Shantirhat and Narayanhat. No incidents of vandalism, arson, clashes or arrests had been reported until around 1:00am.

Police were deployed at key intersections and along major roads to maintain law and order, while authorities continued to monitor the situation.

Protest leaders alleged that the government had selected Bhujpur Mouza as the upazila headquarters through an "unjustified process." They said that since the administrative unit is named Fatikchhari North, its headquarters should be located in the northern part of the area to ensure better public access.

They also warned of tougher protest programmes if their demand is not met.

Fatikchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saeed Muhammad Ibrahim said the administration was closely monitoring the situation and that law enforcement agencies remained on high alert to ensure public safety.