Bangladesh protesters block Tangail Jamuna highway on Monday, October 13, 2025, as students and locals halted traffic at the Jamuna Bridge roundabout to demand Tangail district remain in Dhaka division. The 45-minute blockade ended after local officials gave assurances.
This protest highlights tensions over administrative boundaries in Bangladesh. Such changes could affect local governance, economic ties and transport links in South Asia’s densely populated region. Disruptions on key highways like this one impact trade flows between the capital and northern districts.
The Blockade Unfolds
Bangladesh protesters block Tangail Jamuna highway starting at 11:30 AM. The action took place at the Jamuna Bridge roundabout in Bhuyanpur upazila. Vehicles stopped on both sides. Passengers faced delays. Police reported no violence. The group included students from local institutions and residents.
They gathered quickly after social media posts spread news of a possible shift. Banners called for Tangail to stay in Dhaka division. Chants echoed demands for no annexation to Mymensingh division. Traffic resumed at 12:15 PM. Officials spoke to the crowd. The highway cleared without arrests. This marks another instance where Bangladesh protesters block Tangail Jamuna highway over local issues.
Demands and Motivations
Protesters fear losing ties to Dhaka. Tangail sits in central Bangladesh. It borders several districts. A move to Mymensingh could change services access. Schools, hospitals and markets might shift focus. One protester said: “Previously we also staged a movement in 2015.
This time as well we have taken to the streets demanding that Tangail remain in Dhaka division. We hope the government will keep Tangail district in Dhaka division.” The rumour started online. No official document confirms the change. Protesters acted to prevent any decision. They want clear government denial.
Official Responses
Bhuyanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahbub Hasan addressed the group. He said: “We also agree with their demand. However we have not received any notification regarding the transfer of Tangail to the Dhaka division.” Bhuyanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rezaul Karim confirmed peace. He said: “They conducted their programme peacefully. They did not cause any disorder. Following our assurance, they lifted the blockade.” No higher government comment yet. The Cabinet Division handles such matters. Tangail district portal states it falls under Dhaka division. Area totals 3414 square kilometres. Population exceeds 4 million.
Impact on Commuters and Economy
The blockade halted all movement. Buses trucks and cars queued. Journeys delayed by hours. Northern routes to Dhaka suffered most. Passengers reported hardship. One commuter noted long waits in heat. Trade goods delayed. The highway links key industrial zones. Disruptions cost time and money. Similar actions affect regional stability. Bangladesh relies on smooth transport. This route carries goods worth millions daily.
Background
Tangail has seen protests before. In 2015 locals opposed a similar division shift. That movement succeeded. Tangail stayed in Dhaka. More recently other blockades occurred. For example a Tangail underpass demand protest blockade disrupted traffic in 2024. Residents in Kalihati upazila blocked the same highway. They sought an underpass near Salla Bus Stand. Accidents prompted the action. That Tangail underpass demand protest blockade started at 10:30 AM on October 22 2024. It lasted one hour. Kalihati UNO Shahadat Hossain assured action. Traffic jammed 12 kilometres.
Demands stemmed from safety concerns. Other incidents include student protests over education issues. In September 2025 technical students blocked the road for six-point demands. Auto-rickshaw drivers staged a Tangail underpass demand protest blockade style action in late September. They sought free movement. These events show recurring unrest. Highways become protest sites. Tangail underpass demand protest blockade cases highlight infrastructure needs. Division disputes add administrative layers. Tangail ranks as Dhaka division’s largest district by area. It includes 12 upazilas. History dates to British era. Independence saw boundary adjustments. Current setup from 1969.
What’s Next
Government may issue a statement. Protesters seek formal assurance. If ignored more actions could follow. Officials monitor social media for rumours. Reforms under interim government continue. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus leads efforts. Focus includes governance efficiency. Boundary reviews might arise. Stakeholders watch closely. Trade groups urge quick resolution. Peaceful protests allowed but blockades strain resources. Bangladesh protesters block Tangail Jamuna highway incidents underscore need for dialogue. Future steps depend on official clarity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 13th, 2025
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