Toll collector assaulted by BNP leader over delay in collection at Karnaphuli Bridge in Ctg

A toll collector at the Shah Amanat Bridge in Chattogram's Karnaphuli was assaulted allegedly by a BNP leader due to delays in toll collection. 

The incident occurred at the Moijjartek toll plaza around 1:30pm Friday. CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media yesterday (26 January). 

The victim was identified as Mohammad Emon, 28. The accused, Nazmul Mostafa Amin, is a former office secretary of the Chattogram South District BNP and the convener of Lohagara upazila BNP.

CCTV footage revealed that Amin entered the toll booth and grabbed Emon by the collar, and verbally and physically assaulted him. 

Karnafuli Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Sharif said no formal complaint had been filed regarding the incident. "We will take legal action if a complaint is lodged," he said.

It was reported that the incident took place when a convoy of vehicles, including one carrying Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain, was passing through the toll plaza on their way to an event in Satkania. 

According to toll plaza employees, delays were caused by an increased volume of vehicles due to holiday. 

"Fridays usually see more traffic, causing some unavoidable delays," said Sumon Ghosh, project manager of the leaseholding company, Sel-Van JV. 

"The accused became agitated, verbally abused the staff, and even struck a computer. Though there was no major damage, such behaviour is unacceptable. We have notified the Roads and Highways Department of the incident," he added.

However, Amin denied the allegations, stating, "I only suggested collecting cash directly instead of through the computer system to reduce traffic congestion. I did not assault anyone."