Tension in Barguna as Student League activists set tyres alight to block highway

Betagi, Barguna – On Wednesday evening, activists of the banned Student League staged a protest on the Betagi-Barguna regional highway by setting bus tyres on fire, disrupting traffic and causing tension across the area. The protest began around 8 pm near Belibridge in Betagi town, the Kachua Ferry Ghat vicinity, and the Chandkhali highway junction.

Local sources reported that the interim government recently suspended Student League activities temporarily. In anger over the Awami League’s planned ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ campaign on 13 November, a group of former Student League members took to the highway in protest.

The demonstrators chanted slogans while burning tyres, completely blocking the road. Traffic was brought to a standstill, leaving commuters stranded. Police from Betagi station rushed to the scene shortly after receiving reports, but the protesters had already fled.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Moniruzzaman said, “After sunset on Wednesday, a group of youths suddenly took to the highway, attempting to create disorder by setting tyres on fire. They left the scene before our arrival. The situation is now stable, and police remain vigilant to prevent any further incidents.”

Commuters and local residents suffered considerable inconvenience during the blockade, with several passenger buses and commercial vehicles delayed. Police intervention eventually restored traffic flow, but the area continues to remain quiet and tense.