Seat boundaries: Rival groups clash at EC hearing over Brahmanbaria constituencies

The clash stems from the EC's plan to add three union from Bijoynagar Upazila to Brahmanbaria-2

Rival groups from Brahmanbaria have clashed during a hearing on draft constituency boundaries for the upcoming national election.

The scuffle broke out at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday during hearings on objections and suggestions over the draft demarcation of the Brahmanbaria-2 and Brahmanbaria-3 seats.

Following the publication of the draft constituency boundaries, petitions had been submitted both in support and opposition. BNP leader Rumeen Farhana spoke in favour of the EC’s proposals, while opponents argued against the plan to include three unions from Bijoynagar Upazila in the map of Brahmanbaria-2. They said they want to keep Bijoynagar intact.

Members of the two sides engaged in pushing and shoving until EC officials intervened to restore order.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed later concluded the hearings for the two seats and asked participants to leave the room.

The EC began its four-day series of hearings on constituency boundaries with Brahmanbaria-2 and 3. Journalists were allowed to attend, though cameras were not permitted.

Brahmanbaria-2 currently includes Sarail and Ashuganj Upazilas. The draft adds three unions from Bijoynagar -- Budhanty, Chandura and Harashpur.

Meanwhile, the Brahmanbaria-3 constituency previously covered Brahmanbaria Sadar and Bijoynagar Upazilas. The new proposal keeps Sadar but redraws Bijoynagar to include seven unions -- Ichhapur, Champanagar, Pattan, South Singerbil, Bishnupor, Char Islampur and Paharpur.

Commotion also spread outside the EC building, where police dispersed a group of protesters gathered at the gate. A water cannon was kept on standby but was not used.