Locals oppose Suabil's inclusion in proposed Fatikchhari North upazila, warns of protests 

The Greater Suabil Union Rights Protection Forum has alleged that Suabil Union and Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Nazirhat Municipality were included in the proposed Fatikchhari North upazila despite pending High Court cases, recommendations from the field administration and public opinion. 

The forum warned of a tougher protest movement unless the areas are excluded. The demand was made at a press conference today (11 July) at the Chattogram Press Club by the forum's chief organiser, Prof Md Manzurul Kibria of the University of Chittagong's Department of Zoology.

'Public opinion ignored'

Kibria said proposals submitted by the upazila administration in 2021 and 2023 for the proposed Bhujpur upazila, as well as the Chattogram deputy commissioner's field report, excluded Suabil Union and Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Nazirhat Municipality. However, the areas were later added without consulting the locals.

He further alleged that a 7 January 2026 directive from the Local Government Division instructed authorities to prepare a revised proposal excluding those areas. 

Despite several writ petitions pending before the High Court, the National Implementation, Administrative Reorganisation and Coordination Committee (Nicar) approved the disputed proposal on 1 July, allegedly after relevant information had been withheld.

The forum also accused the chairmen of Bhujpur and Harualchhari union parishads of deliberately securing Suabil Union's inclusion, alleging possible personal interests, including land business, and demanded an impartial investigation.

Kibria said the proposed upazila headquarters would be 20 kilometres from Suabil, compared with 4-5 kilometres to the existing Fatikchhari headquarters, increasing residents' travel time, costs and hardship in accessing public services.

The forum demanded exclusion of Suabil Union and the three Nazirhat wards from the proposed upazila, a review of the decision based on public opinion and administrative realities, suspension of implementation until the High Court disposes of the pending writs, and public participation in the administrative reorganisation.

Forum leaders warned of rallies, human chains and demonstrations if the demands are not met.

The press conference was attended by Principal Nurul Huda, SM Shafiul Alam, SM Farid, Suabil Union Parishad Panel Chairman Abul Mansur, Hafez Mizanul Haque, union parishad members Mintu, Belal, Hamid, Abu Sayeed, Zainal and Omar Faruk Manik, Rashed Company, Councillor Gazi Amanullah, and other local elected representatives and leaders of political and social organisations