Leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam blocked the Chattogram–Khagrachhari regional highway on Wednesday (Oct 8) morning following the death of one of their senior leaders in a road accident.

The blockade began around 7 am in front of the Hathazari Madrasa, paralysing traffic movement along the key highway linking the port city with the hill district.

According to police and local sources, Sohel Chowdhury, a member of Hefazat-e-Islam’s executive committee, was killed on Tuesday afternoon when a vehicle ran him over in the Gohira area of Rauzan, near Chattogram. 

In protest, Hefazat supporters took to the streets early Wednesday, staging a sit-in and blocking the road.

Hathazari Police Station’s officer-in-charge (OC) Manjur Kader Bhuiyan confirmed the incident, saying, “Students from the madrasa have blocked the road following the death of a Hefazat leader in a traffic accident. 

Vehicular movement has been suspended. We are holding discussions with Hefazat representatives and transport leaders to resolve the situation.”

The sudden blockade has caused severe disruption to commuters and local residents, forcing many to walk long distances to reach their destinations.

SMS/