Play store
Transport workers have blocked roads and launched an indefinite strike in Dinajpur in protest against the arrest and alleged physical assault of labour leader Mujibur Rahman Mujib.
The strike began Tuesday morning, with workers blocking roads at major intersections, bus terminals and near police stations across the district. Long-distance coaches and vehicles on several routes have gradually stopped operating, causing significant disruption to commuters.
The protesters are demanding Mujib’s immediate release. They are also calling for the arrest of CID Inspector Naobur Rahman over the alleged assault and the removal of Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Nabi.
According to the workers, Mujib got into an argument with CID Inspector Naobur Rahman, who was in plain clothes, while discussing a case investigation in the office of the Kotwali police station OC on Sunday. The workers allege that Mujib slapped the police officer during the altercation.
Police subsequently detained Mujib. The workers claim that he was beaten despite apologising for the incident. He was later shown arrested and sent to jail through a court order.
The protesters said they do not oppose legal action over the alleged assault on the police officer, but demanded an investigation into the allegations that Mujib was physically abused in custody.
Road blockades were reported from several areas, including Nimnagar Phulbari Bus Stand, Dinajpur Government College intersection, Medical intersection, Balubadanga intersection and the Kotwali police station area. The blockades disrupted traffic across the city and left many passengers stranded.
The protest was joined by various labour leaders and workers, including Monnaf Mukul, chief election commissioner for the upcoming Dinajpur Motor Transport Workers’ Union election, Abdul Kayum, convener of the union’s convening committee, joint convener Syed Shawkat Ali Tota and former vice-president Enamul Haque.
Abdul Kayum said the workers had no objection to Mujib facing legal proceedings if he had committed an offence, but they would not accept allegations of physical abuse after his arrest.
“We want his immediate release and an impartial investigation into the allegations of torture, with action against those responsible,” he said, adding that the strike would continue until their demands were addressed.
The strike has disrupted long-distance bus services and transport on several routes, leaving passengers stranded at bus terminals and forcing many to return home without transportation.
Dinajpur Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Abdul Halim said police would hold discussions with labour leaders to find a solution.
“We will consider their reasonable concerns. We believe a positive solution can be reached very soon through dialogue,” he said.
Security forces have been deployed at key locations across the district to maintain law and order and prevent further disruption.