A railway blockade in Bhairab demanding district status for the upazila resulted in violence today, disrupting major train services and leaving at least 20 passengers injured.
Protesters, angered by a recent proposal to include their current district, Kishoreganj, in the Mymensingh Division, blocked the tracks at Bhairab Bazar Railway Junction for over two hours, stalling trains on the crucial Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Sylhet routes.
The demonstration, which included hundreds of locals, turned violent when stones were hurled at trains and police, leading to the passenger injuries. Stranded trains included the Upakul Express and Karnaphuli Express.
Organizers, including local BNP and student leaders, claimed a "vested group" was responsible for the stone-throwing to "sabotage" their movement. They warned of future indefinite road, rail, and river blockades if their demand for "Bhairab Zila Chai" is not met. Following the violence and negotiations, train operations were restored. Protesters have also announced a Meghna River waterway blockade for tomorrow (Tuesday). Police are investigating the stone-throwing incident.
