Bagerhat, Aug 24 (V7N) – In response to a recent Election Commission notification that merged parts of Bagerhat-4 and reduced the total number of parliamentary constituencies in the district from four to three, citizens in Morelganj and Sharankhola staged a full-day hartal and blockade. The protest was organized by the All-Party Struggle Committee and supported by various political parties and local groups.

From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, transportation services in the area came to a halt. Long-distance buses heading to Dhaka and Chattogram remained suspended from Nobboroshi and Cholombaria bus stands. Waterways also saw no movement, with launches, steamers, and ferries suspended throughout the day. Most educational institutions, shops, and markets were closed. Protesters burned tires at major road junctions and staged demonstrations.

Picketing took place in several key locations including the Nobboroshi bus stand, the area near Steel Bridge, and the ferry terminal. Demonstrators from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, and other allied groups participated in road blockades, protest rallies, and brief street meetings.

Speakers at the rallies included Shahidul Haque Babul, President of the Morelganj BNP and convener of the Struggle Committee; Abdul Alim, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for Bagerhat-4; Master Moniruzzaman, Naib-e-Ameer of the Upazila Jamaat and Secretary of the Committee; BNP leaders Gias Uddin Talukder, Prof. Abdul Awal, FM Shamim Ahsan; Jamaat leader Mohibullah Rafiq; Islami Andolon candidate for Bagerhat-4 Maulana Omar Faruq Nuri; and Upazila Secretary of Islami Andolon Maulana Mohammad Asadullah.

In their speeches, they strongly opposed the Election Commission's decision to dissolve Bagerhat-4 and reconfigure the constituencies to include Morelganj, Sharankhola, and Mongla under three total seats.

They declared the move as sudden, unjustified, and politically motivated, arguing that it undermines the representation of the people of Bagerhat. Leaders warned that the movement would continue until Bagerhat-4 is fully reinstated as an independent constituency.

Despite the widespread demonstrations, no reports of violence were recorded. The protest remained largely peaceful but caused significant disruption to daily life and transport.

The Election Commission has not issued any immediate response to the demands raised by the protesters. However, local political observers note that rising tensions over redistricting could escalate in the lead-up to the upcoming general election.

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