Protest Shuts Down Traffic on Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway
Traffic on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway was halted as transport workers staged a protest following an alleged attack on one of their senior drivers. The protest began early on Sunday, September 8, in the New Bridge area of Chattogram, where workers gathered, shouting slogans and blocking vehicles.
Passengers reported that no buses or large vehicles were running, and even smaller cars were stopped, with protesters forcing passengers to disembark.
According to the workers, the protest was sparked by an attack led by Musa, the secretary of the transport organization, after they opposed excessive extortion fees. They claim that Musa has been collecting inflated charges, and when workers protested, a senior driver was assaulted. Today’s protest aims to put an end to what they describe as Musa’s long-standing abuse of power.
Protesters compared Musa's actions to those of "dictator Hasina," accusing him of extorting Tk 1,680 from each bus traveling from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar. They further allege that Awami League MPs and ministers are benefiting from these extortion fees through various organizations and those who object are often met with violence.
A representative from the Arakan Road Transport Workers' Union expressed frustration, stating, "Musa has ruled over us without an election for 17 years, draining us with his illegal extortion. We are done with this dictatorship."
Army personnel have arrived at the scene to manage the situation, and leaders from several transport organizations are negotiating with the protesting workers to resolve the issue.
Comments