Residents of Tangail blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for nearly an hour on Sunday, protesting frequent power outages and prolonged load-shedding, triggering severe traffic congestion on both sides of the busy highway.
The blockade took place at the Jamurki point in Tangail from 11:30am to 12:30pm, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded before the protesters dispersed.
Local inhabitants from Dubail, Natiapara, Sehratail, Islampur and Poraikhali areas of Delduar Upazila, alongside affected residents from Mohera, Jamurki and Pakulla areas of Mirzapur Upazila in the district participated in the demonstration.
Protesters said frequent power disruptions have severely affected daily life, business operations, and students’ education. They added that they were forced to take to the streets after failing to get any remedy from the authorities concerned despite repeated complaints.
The blockade was lifted after officials from the local power department visited the scene and assured the demonstrators of a swift resolution to the crisis.
Following the assurance, the protesters withdrew their blockade, giving a seven-day ultimatum to fix the issue.
Sub-Inspector (SI) of Gorai Highway Police Station Piyush Dey Sajib said on information, police rushed in to bring the situation under control.
Vehicular movement on the highway resumed after the protesters withdrew the blockade, giving the authorities a seven-day ultimatum to resolve the power crisis, the SI added.
