A section of political leaders including local unit BNP under the banner of Sorbodolio Sommilito Committee (all-party united committee) has announced a three-day programme protesting the Election Commission’s proposal to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies in the district from four to three.

They also demanded the retention of all four seats.

ATM Akram Hossain, convener of district unit BNP and convener of the Sarbodolio Sommilito Committee said this at a press conference held at Bagerhat Press Club on Tuesday.

Maulana Rezaul Karim, ameer of district unit Jamaat-e-Islami, former president of district unit BNP, MA Salam, nayeb-e-amir of district unit Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana Abdul Wadud, secretary Maulana Yunus Ahmed and other leaders were present there.

The three-day programmes include—road blockade from Katakhali-Nauapara highway from 9 am to 1 pm on August 21, blockade on Khulna-Mawa highway at Nauapara, Katakhali, Fakirhat, Mollahat Bridge, Signboard intersection on Pirojpur-Bagerhat highway on August 24 from 9 am to 4 pm, sit-ins programme in front of deputy commissioner and district election officer offices.

Besides, a protest rally and sit-in will be held in front of the Election Commission office in Dhaka on Monday at the same time.

“We, from all political parties, are united in our demand to retain four constituencies in Bagerhat. We are ready to take any necessary steps to ensure this,” said Akram Hossain while speaking at the press conference.

Maulana Md Rezaul Karim, Jamaat ameer termed the proposal to reduce the number of seats as a “premeditated conspiracy.”

He warned that if the Election Commission does not withdraw the proposal, they will launch a tougher movement beyond the Commission’s control.

Former president of district unit BNP MA Salam said the people of Bagerhat will be deprived in many ways if the seats are reduced to three.

“If the EC does not keep four seats, we will call for severing ties with Bagerhat,” he said.

On July 30, the Election Commission proposed reducing one constituency from the district as part of its preliminary plan for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Since then, local residents have expressed dissatisfaction over the issue.