Locals have blocked the Kushtia-Jhenaidah highway demanding the relocation of the Islamic University (IU) police station to Jhaudia.
The protest began around 9am on Tuesday, causing a traffic jam stretching at least 15km on both sides. As of 11:30am, the blockade was still in place.
Protesters argue that despite the government issuing a notification for the relocation, authorities have taken no action. They vow to continue their movement until the police station is inaugurated in Jhaudia.
“Jhaudia is the central point for six unions. The absence of a police station here has led to frequent incidents of theft, robbery, mugging, and even murder,” said Uttam Kumar Biswas, headmaster of Jhaudia Bazar Secondary School.
Abdul Hakim, a truck driver traveling from Kushtia to Khulna, expressed his frustration, saying: “I’ve been stuck for over an hour. I have no idea how much longer this will take. Hundreds of passenger buses are also stranded.”
Shaharia Imon Rubel, a member of the Jhaudia Police Station Implementation Committee and a leader of the Swechchhasebak Dal, said: “All arrangements for establishing the police station have been made, yet the police superintendent continues to delay the process. Authorities must take responsibility for today’s protest.”
Kushtia SP Mizanur Rahman said: “Relocating a police station involves several processes, including infrastructure development. It cannot be done overnight and requires time.”