Protests over Faridpur constituency redrawing halt traffic on major routes

Residents of Bhanga Upazila blocked major highways in Faridpur on Friday (September 5) in protest against the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to transfer two unions—Algi and Hamirdi—from Faridpur-4 to Faridpur-2 under new constituency boundary changes.

The protest began early Friday morning, with demonstrators felling trees and burning tires at several points along the Faridpur-Bhanga-Barishal highway, including Pukuria, Suyadi, and the Monsurabad bus stand area.

Traffic on the busy route was brought to a standstill for hours, stranding hundreds of vehicles traveling to and from the southern region.

Locals expressed strong opposition to the boundary changes, saying they feel politically and administratively disconnected from their traditional constituency.

Protesters demanded that Algi and Hamirdi unions remain within Faridpur-4, with some also calling for the creation of a new Faridpur-5 constituency comprising Bhanga Upazila alone.

Bhanga Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Md Rokibuzzaman confirmed the demonstrations and said law enforcement was in talks with residents to restore vehicular movement.

"The locals have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are fulfilled," the OC added.

The EC recently issued a gazette notification finalising boundary changes for several parliamentary seats as part of a broader redistricting process ahead of the upcoming 13th national elections.

The revision marks the largest overhaul of constituencies since 2008.