Students, locals block Dhaka-bound vehicle demanding gas distribution in Bhola

A group of local people and students intercepted a Dhaka-bound vehicle transporting gas of a refueling company at Bhola Bus Stand last night (18 April) demanding that locally extracted gas be supplied to households and industries in the district rather than being sent to factories in Dhaka.

The protesters intercepted the CNG-gas-laden truck belonging to Intraco Refueling Company around 10:30pm near Bhola Bus Terminal on its way to Dhaka and blocked the road.

They also staged demonstrations to press home their five-point demand, including establishment of gas-based industries in Bhola, household gas connections and an end to gas being transported out of the district without meeting local needs.

The protesters also chanted slogans saying 'Bhola's gas to be distributed in Bhola' and 'Gas supply in every household'.

On information, police rushed to the spot but the vehicle remained blocked and was not allowed to leave Bhola as this morning (19 April), said Sub-Inspector of Sadar Model Police Station Wasib Alam.

Earlier in the day, members of the B-Dwip Student Welfare Council organised a human chain and rally in Bhola town, raising similar demands.

The protestors also threatened to go for greater movement, including a long march to Dhaka or blockade programme and would prevent any gas from leaving Bhola, if their demands are not met.

In May 2023, Intraco signed a deal with state-owned Sundarban Gas Company to transport gas cylinders from Bhola to 18 factories in Dhaka.

Under the agreement, the company currently supplies around 5 million cubic feet of gas daily to these facilities.