Transport strike paralyzes Dinajpur as workers demand release of detained political leader

DINAJPUR — A transport strike launched by a local labor union has effectively severed road links between Dinajpur and its surrounding sub-districts, as demonstrators block major entry points to the city to demand the unconditional release of a detained political leader.

The strike, led by the District Motor Transport Workers Union, began Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Protesters have utilized buses and trucks to barricade critical transit hubs, including the Baluadanga, Government College intersection, C&B intersection, and the Phulbari bus terminal. The blockade has disrupted public transportation, left long-distance passengers stranded, and obstructed the movement of emergency vehicles, including ambulances.

The unrest follows the arrest of Mojibur Rahman, the member secretary of the district Krishak Dal and a member of the local transport workers union. Rahman was taken into custody after an altercation at the Kotwali police station on Sunday night. According to police reports, Rahman engaged in a verbal dispute with Nawabbur Rahman, an inspector from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who was at the station in plainclothes to consult on a murder investigation. The situation escalated when the suspect allegedly slapped the officer. A case was subsequently filed by the inspector against Rahman and two unidentified individuals.

Union leaders have denounced the arrest, alleging that Rahman was physically abused while in police custody. They are demanding his immediate release, the removal of Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Nurnabi, departmental action against Inspector Nawabbur Rahman, and the formation of a formal investigation committee to review the incident. The union has threatened an indefinite strike if these demands are not met.

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“We respect the law, but Mojibur Rahman was subjected to brutal physical torture while in custody and was transported to court in a manner typically reserved for militants,” said Abdul Kaiyum, convener of the District Motor Transport Workers Union. “He was unable to walk due to the severity of the beatings.”

In response to the allegations, Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Abdul Halim denied that any custodial abuse took place. “There were many of Rahman’s relatives, political associates, and union members present at the station at the time,” Halim stated, though he added that the department would investigate the claims. Regarding the demand for the removal of the local OC, Halim noted that higher authorities would review the officer’s performance if he failed to meet service expectations.

Meanwhile, Rahman’s political standing has shifted in the wake of the incident. The Krishak Dal expelled him from all party positions on Monday, citing violations of party policy, ethics, and internal discipline. Rahman remains in jail as the legal proceedings continue.