Leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, blocked the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Faridpur as part of the party’s announced “Dhaka Lockdown” programme. During the incident, they felled trees and set tires on fire, halting traffic.
The blockade occurred early Thursday morning (November 13) around 6:00 am near Shuadi Pump and Pukhuria areas of Algi Union in Bhanga Upazila. The disruption caused long traffic jams on both sides of the highway, leaving commuters stranded.
According to police and local sources, a few party supporters initially took positions on the highway in support of the lockdown. As more people joined, the entire highway was blocked, creating a tense situation in the area. Several empty ambulances heading to Dhaka were turned back, though ambulances carrying patients were allowed to pass, locals said.
Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Bhanga Highway Police Station, Mohammad Rokibuzzaman, told Jago News that the highway was blocked at Shuadi Bus Stand and Pukhuria areas due to the lockdown protest. Traffic on the Dhaka-Khulna highway remained suspended until 9:00 am. Police and army personnel were dispatched to the site to restore normalcy.