Fatikchhari (Ctg) Correspondent

A 48-hour hartal has been observed in Dantmara, Baganbazar and Narayanhat unions of North Fatikchhari since Sunday morning to demand the establishment of the headquarters of the newly formed Fatikchhari North Upazila of Chittagong. Shops and traffic are closed due to the strike. Ordinary passengers and pedestrians are suffering due to this.

On the night of July 21, a press conference organized under the banner of the Fatikchhari North Upazila Implementation Coordination Council announced a 48-hour hartal program from July 26. The organization claimed that they are observing this program because the headquarters of the newly formed upazila was not located in a reasonable place. On July 16, residents of three unions of North Fatikchhari peacefully observed a morning and evening strike with the same demand.

On Sunday morning, a visit to various areas of Dantmara, Narayanhat and Baganbazar unions showed that the markets were in a state of disarray. Traffic on the Gahira-Heyako road and the Feni-Khagrachari regional highway was practically closed. This has caused extreme hardship to passengers travelling to various destinations. Most shops are also closed.

Hartal supporters were seen taking positions at various important intersections. However, emergency services including hospitals and ambulances are operating normally. Considering the ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations, no obstacles are being placed on the movement of examinees.

Meanwhile, protesters held picketing, demonstrations and processions in Balutilah Bazaar, Chikanchhara Bazaar, Guard Shop, Hayanko, Dantmara, Shantirhat and Narayanhat areas. As traffic was closed in Shantirhat and Dantmara Bazaar areas, protesters were also seen playing football and cricket on the roads. However, no untoward incident has been reported anywhere so far.

Law enforcement officers were seen on alert at various important locations to maintain law and order during the strike.

Bhujpur Police Station OC Bipul Chandra Dey said, "Traffic movement has been suspended since morning due to the strike. Additional police have been deployed at various important points to maintain law and order. So far, no untoward incident has been reported anywhere."