BNP protests abolishment of Bagerhat-4 seat, road blockade causes public sufferings
Morelganj (Bagerhat) Correspondent
Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations held a protest rally and enforced a one-hour road blockade in Morelganj, Bagerhat, protesting the abolition of the Bagerhat-4 (Morelganj-Sarankhola) parliamentary constituency.
The protest took place on Friday (August 1) in front of Abdul Aziz Memorial Secondary School on the regional Signboard-Bogi Highway. As a result, traffic movement came to a halt, causing severe disruption and suffering for the general public.
Recently, the Election Commission (EC) issued a new gazette notification announcing the abolishment of the Bagerhat-4 constituency—one of the four constituencies in the district. The announcement sparked widespread anger, concern, and protests across the region. Residents of Morelganj and Sarankhola view the decision as a form of deprivation.
Speakers at the rally stated that Bagerhat-4 is a politically significant constituency. "The sudden cancellation of the people's long-standing constitutional representation is undoubtedly politically motivated. This decision attacks the people's voting rights, development opportunities, and democratic practices,” they said.
They further added, "Considering both area and population, Morelganj is one of the largest upazilas in the district. Abolishing a seat from such a densely populated area is an irrational and anti-public decision, taken without regard for the people's aspirations."
One local resident expressed frustration, saying, "A separate parliamentary seat for two important upazilas like Morelganj and Sarankhola is a demand of time. This decision has stripped us of our democratic rights. The protest will continue."
Speakers at the protest included district BNP leader Kazi Khairuzzaman Shipon, Central Secretary General of the Freedom Fighter Generation Party Ibrahim Hossain, Upazila BNP Convener Shahidul Haque Babul, Municipal BNP President Shikdar Faridul Islam, General Secretary Asaduzzaman Milon, Joint Conveners Fakir Rasel Al-Islam, Mahiuddin Badol, Samad, and other local leaders.
After the one-hour road blockade, the leaders announced that if the decision is not immediately revoked, a nationwide movement will be launched with more extensive programs.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission stated that constituency re-demarcation is part of a national democratic process aimed at ensuring equal population-based representation in each seat. However, local political circles and conscious citizens have raised questions as to why a constituency with comparatively higher population and area was abolished.
Political analysts believe that this decision, ahead of the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election, may escalate political tension in the area. Now, all eyes are on whether the Election Commission will reconsider the decision in response to public opinion.
