Violent protests erupted in Bhanga of Faridpur on Monday (Sept 15) as demonstrators stormed the upazila complex and police station, vandalising offices and setting vehicles ablaze in protest against the recent redrawing of parliamentary constituencies.

The attack occurred around 1 pm, when crowds forced their way into the Bhanga Upazila Parishad compound, smashing government offices and setting parts of the complex on fire. 

Protesters also attacked the police station, damaging at least three police vehicles, several motorcycles, and other property. Fire service teams later brought the blaze under control.

Vehicular movement on the Faridpur–Barishal and Dhaka–Khulna highways came to a halt, with a tense calm prevailing over the area.

Bhanga Highway Police OC Rokibuzzaman confirmed the incident.

He said, “Everything was normal since morning. Suddenly, thousands of agitated people attacked the upazila complex and police station, causing extensive vandalism and arson. Further details will be available later.”

The violence follows public outrage over a government gazette notification that shifted Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga from the Faridpur-4 parliamentary constituency to Faridpur-2. 

Locals have been protesting the decision for five consecutive days, blockading highways and rail lines, severely disrupting traffic across the Dhaka–Khulna and Faridpur–Barishal routes, and affecting movement in 21 districts of the southwest region.

SMS/