Men of municipal mayor and Uz chairman face-off over illegal toll collection
Tension has been running in Habiganj town as the supporters of the municipality mayor and Sadar upazila chairman face-off over illegal toll collection at the CNG-run auto-rickshaw stand in the town.
Locals said for the last few days, supporters of mayor Mizanur Rahman and Habiganj Sadar upazila parishad chairman Motachirul Islam have been holding processions and rallies addressing each other extortionist. As a result, there is at risk of a bloody clash at any time.
Auto-rickshaw workers blocked the main road at Muktijoddha Chattar in Habiganj town for several hours on October 7.
Workers allege that the municipality mayor has been demanding money at the auto-rickshaw stand. They sought the cooperation of the police administration to stop the extortion.
Mizanur, also municipal AL organising secretary, said he was not involved with the Habiganj Auto-rickshaw Owners' Association.
He added that Motachirul Islam, president of the association, is involved with the extortion.
Earlier on Sunday, Habiganj municipality employees went on strike from 11:00am to 1:00pm to protest against 'false' allegations against the mayor.
Meanwhile, supporters of the upazila parishad chairman on Monday brought out a procession in the town to protest the propaganda against him. Later, a memorandum was submitted to the deputy commissioner against the mayor.
Mayor Mizan said a huge amount of money is being extorted from CNG auto stands every month. As he requested the owners and workers of the auto-rickshaw not to pay the money, Motachirul Islam and his men has brought out a procession against him.
Motachirul Islam, also the general secretary of municipal AL, said "I have been elected as the best chairman among the upazila chairmen in Sylhet division. This has made one quarter unhappy. Mayor Mizan is spreading propaganda against me."
Masuk Ali, officer-in-charge of Sadar PS, said additional police have been deployed in the town.
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