Violence erupts over proposed union split in Cox's Bazar, public hearing abandoned

A public hearing on the proposed division of Hwaikyong Union in Teknaf descended into violence on Thursday after a group of protesters stormed the venue, vandalized the Union Parishad office and clashed with participants, forcing officials to abandon the consultation.

The unrest, which left at least five to 10 people injured according to local officials and eyewitnesses, also triggered a brief blockade of the Teknaf-Cox's Bazar highway by leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations. 

The blockade was later withdrawn at the request of the administration.

The violence erupted around 3 pm at the Hwaikyong Union Parishad office, where the Local Government Division had organised a public consultation to gather opinions on splitting the union and determining the boundaries of a proposed new administrative unit.

Eyewitnesses said that shortly after the meeting began, about 60 to 70 people carrying banners, sticks and festoons entered the premises chanting slogans including, "We will not accept the division of the union" and "We will not accept the division of wards." 

The situation quickly escalated into brick-throwing, vandalism and clashes, forcing officials, elected representatives and residents to flee.

Acting Union Parishad Chairman Shah Jalal Chowdhury alleged that the attackers used locally made weapons and bricks, injuring several people and damaging doors, windows, furniture and other property inside the complex.

Officials responsible for the boundary review escaped through an alternative exit.

Protesters argued that dividing the union would force residents to update national identity cards, birth certificates, land records, tax documents and other official records, creating unnecessary hardship and expense.

BNP leaders blamed Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League activists for the attack, alleging it was intended to derail the boundary review process. No immediate response was available from those accused.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Anik Chowdhury told Daily Waadaa that the disruption began before the public hearing could formally start and police later rescued the officials involved in the process.

Officer-in-Charge Md Saiful Islam of Teknaf Model Police Station said police quickly brought the situation under control. He said legal action would be taken after an investigation if a formal complaint is filed.

Additional police have been deployed as tensions continue over the proposed administrative reorganisation.

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