Protesters extend strike in Fatikchhari over proposed administrative office location

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A 48-hour general strike crippled transit and commerce across three unions in the newly formed Fatikchhari North upazila in Chattogram on Monday, as residents intensified their protest against the proposed location of the administrative headquarters. The strike, which brought traffic to a complete standstill on the Dhaka-Feni-Khagrachhari regional highway, concluded its final day with demonstrators marching through markets and local junctions to demand a more central site for the government office.

Protesters argue that the government’s chosen location in West Bhujpur Mauza is situated at the extreme southern edge of the upazila. They contend that this placement forces residents from border-adjacent areas like Baganbazar and Heyako to travel between 30 and 40 kilometers to access basic administrative services. The Fatikchhari North Implementation Council, the group spearheading the movement, is urging authorities to relocate the headquarters to a more accessible site between the Datmara and Narayanhat unions to alleviate the logistical burden on the local population.

While the strike halted public transport and forced the closure of most retail outlets, essential services remained operational. Schools, pharmacies, medical clinics, and grocery stores were permitted to stay open throughout the duration of the protest. Commuters and transport operators faced significant disruptions as buses, trucks, and autorickshaws were stranded on key routes, including the Feni-Khagrachhari-Dhaka highway and the Felagaji Dighi-Heyako road.

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Local authorities reported that while demonstrations were held in areas including Balutila, Chikonchhara, and Shantihat, the protests remained peaceful. Bhujpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Bipul Chandra Dey confirmed that there were no reports of vandalism, arson, or arrests during the strike period. To maintain order and prevent potential escalation, police officials deployed approximately 50 officers from the district to patrol the affected regions.