DC seeks EC intervention over Bhanga boundary issue; DIG orders arrest of culprits

Protests in Bhanga have intensified against the inclusion of Algi and Hamirdi unions of Faridpur-4 constituency into Faridpur-2, prompting senior administration officials to call for urgent intervention from the Election Commission (EC).

In this context, on Monday (15 September), the Deputy Commissioner (DC) described the matter as a people’s movement and appealed to the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat to review its boundary changes.

Meanwhile, DIG of Dhaka Range, Md Rezaul Karim Mallik, said that ‘fascists’ had infiltrated the ongoing protest in Bhanga and carried out violence. “I have ordered their immediate arrest,” he said at a midnight press briefing at Bhanga Police Station on Monday.

Earlier that day, Faridpur DC and District Magistrate Md Kamrul Hasan Molla sent a letter to the Senior Secretary of the EC, requesting reconsideration of the decision to include Algi and Hamirdi unions in Faridpur-2 constituency.

The DC’s letter cited the EC’s gazette notification of 4 September, which redrew the parliamentary boundaries of Faridpur-2 and Faridpur-4. According to the notification, two unions under Faridpur-4, Algi and Hamirdi, were placed under Faridpur-2. Following the publication of the list, residents of Bhanga upazila, including those two unions, began demonstrations from 4 September, enforcing road and rail blockades demanding cancellation of the new constituency boundary. As a result, law and order started to deteriorate.

On 15 September, protesters vandalised and set fire to the offices of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Upazila Election Officer, Bhanga Police Station, Highway Police office, and government vehicles. They also blocked roads and railways, disrupting communication with 21 southern districts and causing immense suffering to the public. Protests are still continuing.

The letter further stated that residents of both Faridpur-2 (Nagarkanda and Saltha) and Faridpur-4 (Bhanga, Sadarpur, Charbhadrasan) constituencies have rejected the new boundary. If the decision is not reconsidered, there is a risk of further deterioration of law and order.

At the press briefing, DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik said: “Those who are fascists must be brought under the law. I have ordered their arrest. We are ensuring law and order and people’s safety. I have spoken with the DC, with law enforcers, and given special directives. Four to five policemen were injured in Monday’s violence.”

Faridpur DC Kamrul Hasan Molla said: “We have spoken with the Election Commission and submitted a report highlighting people’s emotions and demands. The High Court is also scheduled to hear a writ petition on 21 September regarding the matter. I urge the people of Bhanga to remain calm and wait for the legal process.”

Senior police and administration officials, including Superintendent of Police Abdul Jalil, Additional SP of Bhanga Circle Asif Iqbal, and Bhanga OC Ashraf Hossain, were present.