Members of the local organization “Amra Bholabashi” detained three advisers of the interim government for about 20 minutes at the Bhola Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Friday (14 November).
The protesters lay down in front of the advisers’ vehicles and staged demonstrations demanding the construction of the Bhola–Barishal bridge along with four other demands.
The detained advisers were—
Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources
Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser for Industries
Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser for Commerce
Earlier, they had attended a meeting on Bhola’s economic development at the DC office.
According to the protesters, government officials had previously assured them that construction of the Bhola–Barishal bridge would begin in December. However, during the meeting, Adviser Faozul Kabir Khan stated that even the design work for the bridge has not yet started and that the project is still stuck awaiting policy approval. This remark sparked anger among the protesters.
When the advisers attempted to leave after the meeting, the demonstrators blocked their vehicles, chanted slogans, and turned the DC office compound tense. Later, with the intervention of local political leaders, the advisers were able to leave the premises.
The protesters told the media that repeated changes in government commitments have left them feeling deceived. They also warned that unless their five-point demands—including construction of the Bhola–Barishal bridge—are fulfilled, gas from Bhola will not be allowed to be transported outside the district.