Locals block Dhaka-Chattogram Highway over Cumilla Airport land dispute

Local residents staged a blockade on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway today (4 June), demanding a permanent solution to a long-standing land dispute involving 13 villages adjacent to Cumilla Airport.

After continuing the blockade for around 30 minutes, the protesters withdrew the programme and formed a human chain beside the highway.

The blockade caused lengthy traffic congestion on both sides of the highway, leading to significant disruption for commuters and transport operators.

The protest began at around 10:45am today, when local residents gathered on the Paduar Bazar Bishwa Road section of the highway and launched a demonstration.

The protesters said disputes over land ownership, tax collection and the use of access roads in the airport-adjacent area had persisted for years between local residents and the relevant authorities.

Despite repeated efforts to resolve the matter, no permanent solution has yet been reached, prompting them to take to the streets.

Local resident Mir Hossain said, "Our ancestral land had been forcibly occupied and roads used by local residents had been closed, depriving us of access. We are seeking the restoration of our legitimate rights and a lasting resolution to the issue." 

Another resident, Mahbub Majumdar, said the land had belonged to their families since the British era.

Questioning why they should pay taxes to another authority, he called for a permanent and acceptable settlement of the dispute.

Ashik Chowdhury, president of a local social organisation, named Nij Ghorei Porobashi), said "Our residents of the 13 villages are living as though we are strangers on our own land. We are demanding a lasting solution to the longstanding land-related complexities."

The demonstrators warned that a permanent settlement of the dispute must be ensured through dialogue, failing which they would announce tougher protest programmes in the future.

Officer-in-Charge of Sadar South Police Station Md Rakibul Islam said the protesters had been holding a human chain since morning.

He said, "Some individuals had attempted to block the highway, but police intervened and ensured the uninterrupted movement of traffic."