NARAYANGANJ, Jan 13: Hundreds of battery-powered auto-van owners and drivers staged a protest against the alleged police extortion in the district, blocking roads and disrupting traffic in the city's busy areas on Sunday afternoon.
The protest, organized by the Battery-Operated Auto-Van Owners and Workers Association, began with a march from the city's Railway Gate No. 2 and culminated at Chashara Victory Monument, where demonstrators blocked the main road. The protest led to severe traffic congestion in the heart of the city.
The protesters accused local police of demanding monthly payments ranging from Tk 1,000 to 1,200 from auto-van drivers, calling it unjust and exploitative. They warned of a strong response if the extortion is not stopped.
Leaders from Ganasamhati Andolan including its District Convener Tariqul Sujan, and Student Federation's District President Farhana Manik Muna expressed solidarity with the protest. They urged authorities to address the workers' grievances immediately.
On information, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Narayanganj Sadar Police Station Md Nasir Uddin rushed there and assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be investigated. The OC also promised to inform higher authorities including the superintendent of police.
