The CNG-run autorickshaw drivers are continuing their protest against the the government’s decision to ban all three-wheelers on all highways of the country.
Auto-rickshaw owners and drivers blocked Dhaka-Chittagong highway in the morning. They locked in clash with police when the law enforcers charged baton on them to clear the road, our Comilla correspondent reports.
A 30 kilometres traffic congestion was created from Daudkandi's Gauripur to Gazaria's Bhaberchar due to the clash.
Meanwhile, the protesting auto-rickshaw drivers vandalised about 50 vehicles on the highway.
At one stage, police fired rubber bullet and tear shell on the protesters that left 10 injured with bullet. The injured were admitted to local hospital.
Five policemen were also injured when the protesters hurled brick chips on them.
Later, the protesters withdrew blockade in the afternoon.
Our Sylhet correspondent reported that autorickshaw workers union took position on Dhaka-Sylhet highway on Sunday morning.
Sylhet District Autorickshaw Workers Union President Zakaria Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune that the auto drivers and workers were observing demonstration programme in 12 points including Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Sunamganj highways.
Also Read: Dawn-to-dusk strike on August 13
District police spokesperson Sugyan Chakma said long-route buses were plying on the highway despite the autorickshaw workers' protest.
Our Feni correspondent reported that auto-rickshaw drivers tried to block Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Dula Miah area but police foiled their attempt.
Read More: Auto-rickshaws on highways ban from Aug 1
Meanwhile, angry drivers vandalised a covered van around 11am.
In the wake of deaths of over 240 people in road accidents before and after the Eid-ul-Fitr across the country, the government clamped a ban on the movement of three-wheelers, auto-rickshaws and non-motorised vehicles on highways across the country with effect from August 1.
Protesting the decision, different CNG-run three-wheelers organisations have been staging demonstration and enforced strike since Saturday.
