UNO, election offices vandalised and set fire in Bhanga

In a violent escalation of protests in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur, the offices of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Election Commission were vandalised and set on fire on Monday afternoon (September 15).

Protesters also attacked the local police station and damaged a police vehicle.

The unrest erupted over the recent parliamentary constituency delimitation and a police case, with tension spreading across the Bhanga roundabout and adjacent areas.

According to witnesses, although a previously declared blockade programme was withdrawn in the morning, protesters resumed demonstrations around 10:30am, triggering clashes when police attempted to disperse them and keep traffic normal. A chase and counter-chase followed.

By 1pm, thousands of people from different unions of the upazila converged on the Upazila Parishad premises, launching coordinated attacks on government institutions. The UNO and election offices were vandalised before being set ablaze, while vehicles inside Bhanga Police Station were also targeted.

Highway Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Rokibuzzaman confirmed the incident, saying, “The police are working to control the situation.”