BNP Nomination Row: 50km Dhaka-Chattogram Highway Blocked

Supporters of BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury staged a major protest today, blocking both the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway and the rail line at multiple points in Sitakunda.

The widespread disruption was in response to the BNP's central leadership nominating Kazi Salah Uddin instead of Chowdhury for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the upcoming general election.

The highway blockade, which began around 7:00 PM today (3 November), caused traffic congestion stretching approximately 50 kilometres, severely impacting thousands of commuters and transport workers on the country's busiest highway.

Protesters fired a tire, completely halting traffic flow, particularly at Fouzdarhat, Bhatiary, and Baroauliya areas, where both lanes were occupied.

Police sources confirmed that inter-district transport and freight movement between Dhaka and Chattogram were completely disrupted, with long queues of vehicles stuck on both sides of the highway.

The rail line blockade severely affected operations, halting at least six trains on different routes. Affected services included the Nasirabad Express, Chattola Express, and Paharika Express, while the Udayan and Turna trains were unable to depart.

According to the Baroauliya Highway Police, officers were attempting to negotiate with the protesters to lift the blockade, but the supporters were reportedly "not responding to our requests."

The protest was triggered by the BNP's decision to grant the nomination for the Sitakunda seat to Kazi Salah Uddin, the convener of the Chattogram North District BNP, bypassing joint secretary Aslam Chowdhury.