Ukhiya, Oct 18 (V7N) – Hundreds of local voters in Faliyapara, located in Ward 6 of Rajapalong Union under Ukhiya upazila, staged a human chain on Saturday morning demanding the restoration of their longstanding polling center at the Faliyapara Government Primary School.

The protest began around 10:00 a.m. on the main road of Ukhiya Sadar and continued for approximately one hour, drawing participants from all walks of life, including men, women, youths, students, and teachers.

Speakers highlighted that Ward 6 of Rajapalong Union has nearly 7,500 registered voters. Currently, the ward has two polling centers — Ukhiya Girls School, with around 2,700 voters, and Faliyapara Government Primary School, with about 4,800 voters. They expressed concern over plans to move the Faliyapara polling center to a small private institution in Moulvibpara, which only accommodates 263 voters. Such a move, they said, would cause severe inconvenience to thousands of voters.

Local teacher Jafar Ahmed emphasized, “Faliyapara Primary School has not only been an educational institution but also a vital venue for citizens to exercise their voting rights. Moving it would deprive the community of their fundamental democratic rights.”

Elderly voter Sonali Akter added, “At this age, we can only vote because the polling center is nearby. If it is moved farther away, we won’t be able to vote. This is very unfair.”

Nur Mohammad Sikdar, a local leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated, “The community will not accept the relocation of the Faliyapara polling center under any circumstances. If the decision is not reversed promptly, we will organize stronger protest actions.”

The demonstration was attended by local teachers, representatives of social organizations, students, and a large number of general voters. Participants urged the relevant authorities to reinstate the Faliyapara polling center immediately and take effective measures to safeguard citizens’ democratic rights.

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