Shariatpur, July 18 -- Traffic movement on the Chandpur-Shariatpur regional highway has come to a standstill following a clash between two rival BNP factions over the lease of the Narsinghpur ferry ghat in Bhedarganj upazila.

The disruption started early Friday when former Chhatra Dal leader Jisan Bala and his supporters blocked the highway, protesting what they claim was the unlawful takeover of the ferry ghat by rival faction leader Momin Didar.

The blockade has resulted in severe congestion, with hundreds of vehicles-including cargo lorries and passenger buses-stranded for hours. Commuters, particularly women and children, have been suffering in the sweltering heat since dawn.

According to local sources, Momin Didar had held the fer...