BNP faction blocks road in Hathazari demanding constituency candidate change

Leaders and activists of a BNP faction and its affiliated organisations staged demonstrations today by burning tyres in Hathazari, demanding a change of the party's nominee for the Chattogram-5 constituency (Hathazari–part of Bayezid).

A procession, rally, and road blockade were held this afternoon in the Fatehabad area of the upazila.

The demonstrators are followers of BNP chairperson's adviser and former president of Hathazari Upazila BNP SM Fazlul Haque.

For Chattogram-5, the BNP's primary nomination has been given to Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, assistant organising secretary of BNP's Chattogram division. He is the son of former Chattogram mayor, former state minister and BNP leader Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin.

Addressing the rally, former Hathazari upazila chairman and BNP leader Mahbubul Alam said, "SM Fazlul Haque stood firm on the streets during the fascist Awami League government. He is a freedom fighter and a tested BNP leader. We demand that he be declared the final dhaner sheesh [sheaf of paddy] candidate for Hathazari."

Chattogram North District Jubo Dal leader Iliyas Ali said, "SM Fazlul Haque held the party together during difficult times. He is the most competent candidate for this constituency."

After the rally, a procession marched from Fatehabad and paraded along one side of the Oxygen–Hathazari road up to Chowdhuryhat.

Later, agitated activists blocked the busy Chowdhuryhat point and set tyres on fire.

Due to the blockade, long tailbacks formed stretching several kilometres on both sides of the Oxygen-Hathazari road, leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck for hours.

Speaking about the blockade, former joint general secretary of Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal Shah Newaz Jahan Munna said, "We held a peaceful rally and procession demanding the nomination of the competent candidate in Hathazari. The general public also joined us in support. However, considering public inconvenience, we withdrew the blockade shortly afterward."

Despite repeated attempts, Hathazari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monjur Kader could not be reached for comments.