Islami Andolan activists block highway as protests over leader's killing

Activists of Islami Jubo Andolan blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Narayanganj's Bandar area, protesting the killing of their leader Bulbul Ahmed.

The protesters took position on the highway in the Madanpur area around 9am on Friday morning (August 21).

The blockade triggered several kilometres of congestion, causing significant suffering for long-distance passengers and transport workers.

Police said the protesters set fire to tyres, bamboo and wood on the highway. Law enforcement officials were at the scene trying to clear the road and restore traffic movement.

Bulbul, joint secretary of the Bandar Thana West unit of Islami Jubo Andolan, was attacked in the Salehnagar area of Bandar on Thursday night. He was allegedly hacked to death with sharp weapons by members of a teenage gang.

Bulbul was the son of Raja Master of the Shahi Mosque area. His killing has sparked tension in the locality, with protesters demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible.

Shamim Sheikh, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kanchpur Highway Police Station, confirmed the highway blockade and said efforts were underway to ease the traffic congestion.