A dispute has emerged over the administrative process for selecting the headquarters of Chattogram’s newly formed Fatikchhari North Upazila. The upazila was announced on July 1, and residents from three northern unions and southern Suabil union have since held opposing programmes. Stakeholders allege that hearing recommendations were ignored, the headquarters location was changed, and Harualchhari and Suabil unions were added without public hearings.

The new upazila was long sought with Baganbazar, Dantmara, Narayanhat and Bhujpur unions to ease administrative hardship in the northern area. Public hearings in those four unions ended on December 21, 2022. A Local Government Division letter dated September 28, 2025 proposed Jujkhola mouza for the headquarters, but allegations say a later initiative shifted it to West Bhujpur.

Locals say Baganbazar is about 52 kilometres from the current Fatikchhari headquarters, while West Bhujpur is about 42 kilometres away. Sujan’s Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury stressed consistency among hearing recommendations, field reports and official documents. Professor Manjurul Kibria called for an impartial inquiry into alleged changes. Joint Secretary Anwar Imam said the Local Government Division was reviewing the situation.