ASHULIA, June 24 (V7N) – General traders and transport workers in Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka, staged a dramatic human chain protest today, donning shrouds to symbolize their vulnerability and demand an immediate end to widespread extortion. The demonstration, held at the Bypail Stand area on the Nabinagar-Chandra highway, called for urgent action to protect their lives and property and specifically demanded the immediate arrest of alleged extortionist Tipu Sultan and his associates.

The human chain program, organized under the banner of "general traders and transport workers," commenced around 10:30 AM on Monday.

Speakers at the protest voiced their deep fear of Tipu Sultan's alleged extortion ring, which they claim has been terrorizing ordinary businessmen and transport workers in the Baipail area. They stated that since before Eid, Tipu Sultan's men, including individuals identified as Parvez, Masud, Kamal, and their "forces," have been continuously threatening and physically assaulting them. Despite repeated complaints lodged with the Ashulia police station, the victims allege that no cases have been filed, nor have any measures been taken to curb the extortion activities.

Jobayer Hossain, proprietor of Shahajadpur Travels and Haque Enterprises at Bypail Bus Stand, shared his personal ordeal. He claimed that "Hatkata Tipu Sultan's" people, including Hasan, Quader, Bulbul, and Jasim, regularly demand money at his business. He alleged that he has already paid them 52,000 Taka (approximately $440 USD) at different times out of fear. On June 7, he stated, they visited his establishment, and upon not finding him, threatened his manager and forcibly took 2,000 Taka from the cash register. Hossain lamented that his complaint to the police station regarding this incident yielded no redress.

The event, chaired by Nurul Islam Dewan, Organizing Secretary of Ashulia Thana Sramik Dal (labor wing of the BNP), and led by Amir Ali Bhuiyan, saw the participation of numerous general businessmen and transport workers from the Bypail area. Other notable attendees included Senior Joint General Secretary Dewan Md. Zillur Rahman, President of Dhamsona Union of the Sramik Dal Abidur Rahman Pashan, President of Yarpur Union Sramik Dal Rabiul Islam, and Yarpur Union Jubo Dal leader Humayun Kabir.

The protest highlights a persistent issue of alleged extortion impacting local businesses and transport operations in the Ashulia industrial belt, an area known for its numerous garment factories and transport hubs. The dramatic nature of the protest, with participants wearing shrouds, underscores the profound sense of vulnerability and desperation among the affected community, urging the authorities to take decisive action against the alleged perpetrators.

END/MSS/RH/