Supporters of BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Sitakunda upazila this afternoon, protesting the Appellate Division's decision to cancel his candidacy for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the 13th parliamentary election.

Around 3:00pm, they blocked the highway at Teriyail, Barabkunda and Chhoto Darogarhat, bringing traffic on both sides to a standstill and leaving thousands of commuters stranded, according to the Highway Police.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Arifur Rahman of the Highway Police's Chattogram Zone told The Daily Star that protesters had initially blocked one point before withdrawing, but later regrouped at the three locations.

"We are working to restore traffic," he said.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting slogans in support of Aslam Chowdhury and demanding that the court's ruling be revoked.