Hundreds of teachers, recently dismissed from NGO-run schools in Ukhiya, staged a protest on Monday by blocking the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf regional highway. The teachers alleged that around 1,250 of them were abruptly laid off a few weeks ago, with NGOs citing a shortage of funds as the reason. They said they had repeatedly held discussions with local authorities regarding reinstatement but no effective measures had been taken. “We were left with no choice but to take to the streets again,” said one of the protesting teachers. The blockade caused severe traffic disruption along the busy highway, leaving vehicles stranded for hours.