48-hour strike in Bagerhat begins in protest of seat reduction

PNN News Desk | Bagerhat:

In protest against the Election Commission’s decision to reduce Bagerhat’s four parliamentary seats to three and demanding the restoration of the previous four seats, the All-Party Combined Committee of Bagerhat has announced a third-phase 48-hour strike. The strike began at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, September 10, and will continue until 6:00 AM on Thursday, September 11, covering all nine upazilas of the district.

On the first day of the strike, roads in the district remained paralyzed from early morning, with no long-distance buses operating. Supporters staged protest rallies and road blockades. Additionally, classes in all educational institutions across the upazilas have been suspended.

Mominul Haque Tulu, President of Chitalmari Upazila BNP, said, “The decision to reduce seats is against the interests of the people of Bagerhat. We are protesting through a peaceful strike and demanding the restoration of the four seats.”

Shariful Hasan Apu, General Secretary of the Upazila BNP, added, “The Election Commission has unreasonably reduced a seat. The movement will continue until our legitimate demand is met.”

Maulana Moniruzzaman, Amir of Chitalmari Upazila Jamaat, stated, “The strike is being observed peacefully to protect the interests of the people.”