The supply of fuel oil at key depots in the northern districts of the country resumed after a brief snap yesterday as transport workers agitated against alleged police extortion and harassment.
North Bengal Tank Lorry Workers’ Union protested at Sirajgnaj’s Shahjadpur Baghabari, cutting oil supply to state-owned Jamuna, Padma, and Meghna depots, leading to a five-hour stagnation.
Agitators called off protests after police and local administration intervened and assured them of taking effective measures over the issue.
Worker’s union chief Md Shahjahan said Jamalpur sadar police had confiscated an oil tanker of Baghabari Jamuna depot after the driver failed to show proper documents on Tuesday.
He claimed workers leaders and police failed to reach an agreement as the latter demanded a huge sum of money in exchange of releasing the tanker.
Police rejected the allegation. Officer-in-Charge Abdul Awal said they released the tanker after they were shown necessary documents.
Shahjadpur Circle ASP Abul Hasnat, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Shamim Ahammed and workers’ leaders held an emergency meeting yesterday.
Hasnat said police did not release the vehicle even after valid documents were shown. “I informed the superintendent of police who spoke with the Jamalpur SP and freed the vehicle,” he added.
UNO Shamim said workers started agitating after failing to free the oil tanker.
“Police personnel went to the spot and informed Sirajganj deputy commissioner about the situation. Later, the protesters ended their agitation after Jamalpur police released the tanker at the deputy commissioner’s behest.”
