Teknaf, July 24 (V7N) — A public hearing on the proposed division of Whykong Union in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar was disrupted on Thursday following strong protests by local residents. Several officials, including the boundary determination officer, were reportedly confined inside the Union Parishad building amid clashes, vandalism, and unrest before being rescued by police.
The incident took place at the Whykong Union Parishad office on Thursday afternoon (July 23) during a scheduled public hearing on the proposed boundary changes.
According to local sources, residents from different areas gathered at the Union Parishad premises from the morning to protest the proposed division. Protesters carried banners, placards, and slogans opposing the move, arguing that splitting the union would increase difficulties for ordinary people in accessing government services.
They demanded that the authorities reconsider the proposal and keep Whykong Union unchanged.
Witnesses said protesters initially locked the main gate of the Union Parishad building before the hearing began. The lock was later opened following mediation by several local political leaders.
However, when the hearing started, protesters continued chanting slogans, and the situation gradually became tense. At one stage, vandalism took place inside the Union Parishad premises, leaving several people, including a union staff member, injured.
After receiving information about the unrest, members of the Whykong Police Outpost arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and safely escorted the boundary determination officer and others out of the building.
Whykong Union Parishad chairman candidate Muhammad Abul Kashem said most residents of the union were against the division plan.
“Dividing Whykong Union will increase the suffering of ordinary people. The authorities should reconsider the decision by giving importance to public opinion,” he said.
Acting Whykong Union Parishad Chairman Shah Jalal declined to comment on the matter.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) S.M. Anik Chowdhury said some people created disorder and damaged property before the hearing could begin.
“Police later rescued the boundary determination officer and other concerned individuals from the situation,” he said.
Earlier the same day, a similar boundary-related public hearing held at Hnila Union also faced objections from some local political leaders. They alleged that many residents could not participate because the hearing was organised without adequate publicity.
The proposed division of Whykong Union has sparked widespread discussion and criticism in Teknaf, with a significant number of local residents calling for a review of the decision and greater public consultation.
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