Traffic movement resumed on the Dhaka–Sylhet highway after six hours as locals, protesting the Election Commission's move to redraw the boundaries of Brahmanbaria-2 and Brahmanbaria-3 constituencies, withdrew the blockade around 5:00pm on Sunday following assurances from the local administration.
Around 11:00am, locals created a blockade at the Chandura bus stand in Bijoynagar. Leaders and activists of BNP, NCP and Hefazat-e-Islam also participated in the protest organised under the banner of "Shorbo Dolio Shangram Parishad".
The protest came as the EC last Thursday published the final gazette removing Chandura and Budhanti unions of Bijoynagar upazila from Brahmanbaria-3 (Sadar and Bijoynagar) constituency and added them to Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail and Ashuganj) constituency.
The blockade caused severe traffic congestion, extending over several kilometres on both sides of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, disrupting vehicular movement and causing significant hardship for travellers.
Later, Additional District Magistrate Ehsan Murad and Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Sadhana Tripura arrived at the spot around 4:30pm, and held talks with the demonstrators. After about half an hour of discussion, the protesters lifted the blockade.
Imam Hossain, president of the Shorbo Dolio Sangram Parishad, said the transfer of Chandura and Budhanti to Brahmanbaria-2 is part of a conspiracy regarding Bijoynagar.
"As a result of the re-demarcation, the two unions will be affected administratively and economically", he said.
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