Residents of Golra village blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway for three hours on Wednesday in protest against the closure of a century-old road, causing severe traffic congestion on both sides. The disruption left passengers stranded for hours.
Around 11:15am, hundreds of villagers from Golra, Dhankora union, and Saturia upazila took to the highway and eventually blocked the road.
The protesters alleged that Tarasima Apparels and Payal Engineering and Construction Ltd had illegally blocked a long-standing public road overnight, with alleged backing from influential local Awami League leaders.
They said the road closure was causing immense hardship in their daily movement.
Demanding immediate restoration of access, villagers gathered near the company gates and vowed not to leave until the road was reopened.
Company representatives, local authorities, and the police attempted to pacify the protesters by promising a resolution, but demonstrators refused to leave until action was taken.
Saturia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahinul Islam said: “The blockade has led to severe congestion, with a long queue of vehicles stretching several kilometres. Discussions are ongoing between both parties, and we hope to resolve the issue soon.”