Transport workers block road, rail to protest Rab action

Transport workers demonstrate at Narayanganj District Central Bus Terminal and block plying of buses and trains on Dhaka-Narayanganj route yesterday protesting beating of a worker by Rapid Action Battalion. PHOTO: FOCUS BANGLA

Transport workers blocked rail and roads in Narayanganj for about three hours after Rab personnel allegedly beat up a bus driver at central bus terminal here yesterday morning.
The sudden blockade caused immense sufferings to school and college going students and more than one lakh people who attend their offices in Dhaka everyday from the district in buses and trains.
Witnesses and other sources said a patrol team of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab)-11 beat up the driver, Jahangir, of a Bandhan Paribhan bus as the vehicle hit a Rab motorcycle at Narayanganj bus terminal at around 8:00am.
Immediately after the incident, transport workers took out a procession and blocked roads at rail gates 1 and 2, Chashara roundabout and in Panchabati area of Fatullah, parking buses and others vehicles haphazardly.
The agitated transport workers also blocked the movement of trains for an hour. They halted a train soon after it started for Dhaka at around 9:00am.
They, however, withdrew the blockade at around 11:00am after Rab officials assured the transport workers' leaders of proper investigation into the incident and taking punitive measures if any Rab member is found guilty.
Locals alleged they face trouble everyday as bus drivers haphazardly park their vehicles in and around the central bus terminal.