Bagerhat, Sept 11 (V7N) – Shops and businesses in Morelganj town remained closed on Wednesday as part of a 48-hour strike called by the All-Party United Council demanding re-elections for four constituencies in Bagerhat. The strike disrupted all local and long-distance bus and boat services from Nobbairshy and Cholombaria bus stands, leaving passengers stranded.
 
Protesters also locked government offices, including the Upazila Election Office, and set tires on fire on various roads. At 11 a.m., a short rally was held in front of the election office, where district BNP leader Kazi Khairuzzaman Shipon, a candidate for Bagerhat-4 (Morelganj-Sharankhola), spoke. Other participants included council convener and Upazila BNP president Mohammad Shahidul Haque Babul, member-secretary Amir Master Moniruzzaman of the municipal Jamaat, and other local leaders.
 
Students of the Nationalist Student Forum also joined the protest, marching and surrounding the election office, locking the main gate. Speakers at their short rally included Abdul Hadi Nahid, president of the municipal branch, Masum Hossain Kochi, vice president, Shadidul Islam Mithu, municipal youth secretary, Aminul Islam Baizid, co-vice president of the student forum, Ejazul Islam Jewel, and Mallik Abul Kalam Khokon.
 
Protesters warned that they will not accept the Election Commission’s decision and vowed to continue their movement until a re-election for the four Bagerhat seats is officially announced.
 
END/MPS/SMA/