Faridpur, Sep 15 (V7N) – Police clashed with protesters on the second day of a highway and railway blockade in Faridpur, as demonstrations intensified over the rearrangement of parliamentary seats and demands to restore old constituency boundaries.

The situation turned violent around 11 am Monday when protesters blocked at least six points on the Dhaka–Khulna and Faridpur–Barisal highways in Bhanga. Demonstrators set fires at various points, halting traffic on both sides and cutting off Dhaka’s road connection with 21 districts. The disruption left thousands of passengers stranded, and goods-carrying vehicles were stuck for hours.

When police attempted to disperse the protesters, the clashes escalated. Demonstrators reportedly vandalized and set fire to several establishments, including the Bhanga police station, upazila parishad office, and election office. Local sources claimed that several people sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation, though officials have not confirmed casualty figures.

Law enforcement agencies, with over 1,200 personnel deployed, are currently working to bring the situation under control.

The protests stem from the Election Commission’s final gazette on September 4, which announced the delimitation of 300 parliamentary constituencies. As part of the changes, Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga upazila were moved from Faridpur-4 constituency to Faridpur-2. Since then, residents have staged continuous demonstrations, including a three-day blockade program that began Sunday.

END/SMA/AJ