Residents Block Dhaka-Chittagong Highway Over Decades-Old Comilla Land Dispute

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Hundreds of residents from 13 villages adjacent to the Comilla Airport staged a protest and blockade on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway on Thursday, demanding a permanent resolution to long-standing land ownership and access disputes. The demonstration at the Paduar Bazar intersection caused significant traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded for approximately 30 minutes before police cleared the route.

The protesters, representing over 100,000 residents, have struggled for decades with issues involving land rights, tax collection, and restricted access to their homes. The roots of the conflict date back to 1942, when the British colonial government requisitioned 423 acres of land for the construction of an airfield during World War II. While a 1946 magistrate’s notice permitted residents to resettle on land outside the runway’s perimeter, the legal status of these properties remained unresolved.

Tensions escalated significantly in 1999 when 145.74 acres were transferred for the establishment of an Export Processing Zone. In 2002, residents reported being evicted from their ancestral homes as the defense department took control of the area. Current inhabitants state that they continue to face severe restrictions, including the blockage of essential access roads leading to their properties.

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Local resident Mir Hossain condemned the continued occupation of ancestral land and the obstruction of public thoroughfares. He warned that if the government fails to address these grievances through dialogue, the community is prepared to escalate their protests. Another resident, Mahbub Majumdar, questioned the legitimacy of current tax demands, noting that the land has been in their families’ possession since the British era.

The protest, which included support from local political figures, eventually moved off the highway, allowing traffic to resume. According to Officer-in-Charge Abdul Momin of the Mainamati Highway Police, authorities intervened to clear the road after the blockade disrupted regional transport. Police officials from the Sadar South Model Police Station confirmed that the situation was brought under control and that movement along the corridor has returned to normal.