Fatikchhari partially paralysed as 48-hour hartal enters second day

Normal life remained disrupted across northern Fatikchhari on Monday (July 27) as the second day of a 48-hour hartal, demanding a "logical location" for the headquarters of the newly formed Fatikchhari North Upazila, got underway.

Protesters under the banner of the Fatikchhari North Upazila Implementation Council took positions at key points from early morning, blocking roads by felling trees and burning tyres at Balutila, Sonaipul and Narayanhat.

The blockade disrupted traffic on the Dhaka-Feni-Khagrachhari regional highway and several major connecting roads.

The shutdown brought bus, truck, pickup and CNG-run autorickshaw services to a standstill on the Feni-Khagrachhari-Dhaka regional highway and the Pelagazi Dighi-Heyako road, leaving numerous vehicles stranded and forcing commuters to seek alternative transport.

Most businesses in Dantmara, Shantirhat, Heyako, Chikanchhara and Baganbazar remained closed, although pharmacies, clinics, educational institutions and shops selling essential goods continued limited operations.

Protesters staged rallies and demonstrations in Balutila, Chikanchhara, Heyako, Dantmara, Shantirhat and Narayanhat. As of Monday morning, no incidents of vandalism, arson, clashes or arrests had been reported.

Police deployed additional personnel at key intersections and strategic locations to maintain law and order.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Hathazari Circle) Tarek Aziz said the situation was under close monitoring and security forces remained on alert to prevent any untoward incidents.

He added that emergency services had been kept outside the scope of the hartal.