Madaripur: Local leaders and activists of the Awami League have blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway in support of a shutdown called ahead of the verdict in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On Sunday (November 16) from early morning, activists obstructed the highway at Gopalpur Bus Stand in Dasar upazila of Madaripur and other points by felling trees and setting tires on fire.
As a result, hundreds of vehicles are stranded on both sides of the highway, leading to long tailbacks and causing severe inconvenience to long-distance passengers.
On-site observations revealed that several large trees were felled to block the main road at the northern side of the Gopalpur Bus Stand area in Dasar upazila. Protesters also burned tires and chanted slogans against the government.
Since dawn, groups of activists have taken positions on the highway with rallies and processions. The blockade has caused traffic to pile up for several kilometers towards both Barishal and Dhaka.
A local leader of the Awami League in Dasar, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Tomorrow, a verdict will be delivered in a conspiracy case against our leader Sheikh Hasina. A nationwide shutdown has been called in protest. We are peacefully enforcing the blockade to support the movement. This will continue until our demands are met.”
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dasar Police Station said, “We are trying to restore normal traffic movement. Talks are underway with the protesters. Additional police have been deployed on-site to prevent any untoward incident.”
As of filing this report, vehicular movement remains suspended, and the situation in the area is tense. Tensions may escalate further as the verdict draws nearer.
