Highway Protest in Kashiani Escalates

In the Gopalganj District’s Kashiani Upazila, activists associated with the banned political organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League staged a protest march and blocked a major highway on Monday, following allegations of vandalism against a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

According to local accounts, the demonstration was organised in response to claims that black ink had been applied to a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed at the upazila complex. Protesters also voiced demands for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the country, alongside their condemnation of the alleged desecration.

The incident took place shortly before Monday noon along the Dhaka–Khulna Highway near the Ratil Horticulture Centre area in Kashiani. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of approximately 40 to 50 individuals suddenly gathered on the highway, obstructing traffic and initiating a procession. The protesters reportedly lit makeshift fires on the roadway, intensifying tensions and causing significant disruption to vehicular movement in both directions.

As a result, long traffic queues formed rapidly, leaving commuters and transport operators stranded for an extended period. The disruption affected one of the country’s key transport corridors, which connects the capital with the south-western region.

The protesters chanted various slogans reflecting political and historical themes. They strongly condemned the alleged defacement of the mural and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice without delay. Despite the intensity of the demonstration, the leadership of the gathering could not be independently verified at the time of the incident.

Local political sources later noted that a video of the protest was shared on social media by a former vice-president of the Kashiani Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, further amplifying attention around the event.

The unrest follows a separate incident on 9 June, when unknown individuals reportedly marked black ink on the same mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the upazila complex. The following day, local activists cleaned the mural, an act that circulated widely online and triggered strong reactions across the area. Since then, tensions in the locality have reportedly remained elevated, with continued political exchanges and public concern.

Summary of Incident

Law enforcement officials from Kashiani confirmed that police reached the scene shortly after the incident but found no protesters present upon arrival. Authorities stated that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the blockade and associated disturbances.

Residents reported widespread inconvenience due to the sudden obstruction of the highway, highlighting the vulnerability of daily transport on this strategic route. The administration has indicated that the situation is being monitored closely to prevent further escalation.