Policemen, trying to control protest, beaten up by CNG-run autorickshaw drivers in Rupganj

Two policemen, who were trying to control a protest by CNG-run autorickshaw drivers on Bhulta-Kuril Bishwa Road, were beaten up by the protesters this afternoon (5 March) in Naraynganj's Rupganj.

The incident took place on the west side of Kanchan Bridge, Narayanganj Police said, adding that additional police force was deployed on the spot, and the situation was brought under control.

According to police, protesters and eyewitnesses, the CNG-run autorickshaw drivers staged a protest on the road against the reported extortion and beatings by BRTC bus contractors.

"Several buses were stopped, and passengers were forced to get off the bus. When the policemen went to the spot to control the situation, the protesters beat them up," said one witness.

Rupganj Police Sub-Inspector Abu Sayem, who was attacked, said in a bid to control the situation, the policemen were trying to get the passengers on a BRTC bus off safely.

"When we were trying to safely get the passengers off the BRTC bus, there was a misunderstanding among the CNG drivers. They suddenly attacked us," he said.

Liaqat Ali, officer-in-charge of Rupganj Police Station, said, "Legal action will be taken against those involved in the attack."

Meanwhile, protesters alleged that associates of two individuals - Rakib and Jihad, who work for BRTC bus contractors- were demanding a monthly extortion of Tk3,000-4,000 from CNG-run autorickshaw drivers.

"When we refused to pay, their men vandalised several autorickshaws and beat us up," said one protester.

The protester also alleged that the reported extortionists again attacked the autorickshaw drivers earlier today, prompting them to launch the protest.