Supporters of the BNP and locals blocked the busy Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for about an hour and a half on Wednesday morning, demanding that the cancelled Gazipur-6 parliamentary seat be reinstated. The demonstration took place in the Tongi College Gate area, causing severe traffic congestion and suffering for commuters and transport workers.
Witnesses said hundreds of BNP activists and residents gathered on the highway around 9:30am, chanting slogans and carrying banners that read, “Gazipur-6 seat must be restored.” The blockade continued until around 11am, halting traffic on both sides of the road.
During the protest, participants set fire to tires on the road, further intensifying the gridlock. Rejecting the court’s decision to abolish the seat, local BNP leaders said the ruling deprived citizens of their constitutional right to vote.
At the same time, supporters of Jamaat and residents formed a separate human chain in front of Asia Pump in Tongi, echoing the same demand. Their banners read, “Restore Gazipur-6 seat, ensure citizens’ fair service.”
Speakers at the human chain warned that eliminating the constituency would hinder public services and development in the area, urging authorities to review the court’s decision.
Law enforcement agencies deployed additional forces in Tongi College Gate, Station Road, and surrounding areas to maintain order. Tongi Purbo Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Wahiduzzaman said the protesters cleared the road following discussions with the authorities, allowing traffic to resume.
-20251111055203.webp)
