Faridpur residents block railway in protest over seat change

Residents of Bhanga upazila in Faridpur have blocked the railway tracks in protest against the recent reorganisation of parliamentary seats, demanding the restoration of two unions to their original constituency.

Since 7 a.m. on Thursday, protesters from Algi Union have obstructed train movement by placing tree branches at Gate No. 81 near Kaidubi Sadar. As a result, the Jahanabad Express from Khulna to Dhaka remains stranded. Train services on the Dhaka-Khulna-Benapole route are suspended, causing severe disruption for passengers.

Bhanga Railway Station officials reported that the Jahanabad Express, which departed Khulna at 6 a.m., is stuck at a station in Muksudpur upazila, 20 kilometers away. Another train, Ruposhi Bangla from Dhaka to Benapole, scheduled for 10 a.m., is also halted.

Station Master Sakibur Rahman Akand confirmed the stoppage, saying, “To prevent disorder, we stopped trains 20 kilometers away. Train operations will remain suspended until the situation normalizes.”

Local leaders, including Algi Union Parishad Chairman Md. Siddiqul Rahman, warned that trains will not be allowed to run until the two unions are restored to Faridpur-4.

The unrest follows an Election Commission gazette signed by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, which merged Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga upazila into the Faridpur-2 constituency. This change has sparked protests, including highway blockades on Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Barishal routes.

Upazila Executive Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman said authorities are negotiating with protesters, but they remain firm.

After three days of blockade, protesters have announced an indefinite strike, vowing to continue daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until their demands are met.