Dhaka-M'singh hwy blocked protesting against extortion

A group of auto-rickshaw drivers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Mymensingh's Trishal on Sunday morning, February 22, demanding an end to alleged extortion, causing an hour-long heavy traffic congestion.

The protesters gathered near Eva Filling Station and barricaded the highway around 10:30 am to press home their demand. The blockade caused about a kilometre traffic congestion in the area.

The drivers claimed that extortion is collected on the road in the name of GP, and recently, the amount of extortion has increased that led them to take to the streets.

Confirming the matter, Trishal Police Station officer-in-charge Md Firoz Hossain said no extortion is collected from transport in Trishal.

The protest stemmed from reports of such practices in Mymensingh city, he said, adding, “Once police explained the situation, the drivers dispersed, and traffic returned to normal.”

Kamruzzaman Mintu/MHK