The first day of hearings on parliamentary seat demarcations descended into chaos on Sunday (Aug 24) when participants clashed during a session on Brahmanbaria-2 and 3 constituencies, in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and other officials.

The incident occurred at the Election Commission auditorium in Dhaka, where supporters and opponents of the draft boundary proposals became agitated and engaged in a physical altercation. Police officers and Election Commission staff intervened to restore order.

Following the disruption, the EC secretary concluded the hearing on Brahmanbaria-2 and 3 and asked the disputing groups to leave the chamber.

During the session, Barrister Rumeen Farhana spoke in favour of the EC’s published draft, while several other participants presented arguments against it. 

Opponents objected to including three unions — Budhanti, Chandura, and Harashpur — from Bijoynagar Upazila into the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, insisting that the upazila should remain intact.

Outside the Election Commission building, protests also broke out. Demonstrators clashed with police at the entrance before officers cleared them from the gate to regain control of the situation.

SMS/