Local transport workers and cattle traders held a blockade on the Chapainawabganj-Rajshahi highway in the Bishwa road area of the district town on Saturday nigh protesting against the seizure of some cow-laden trucks by the members of Border Guard Bangladesh.
The blockade, which lasted for about six hours, caused about a 3km tailback on both sides of the highway creating immense suffering to the commuters.
Sources said members from the Border Guard Bangladesh camp located at Power House Moorh seized about 14 cattle-laden trucks, which was carrying about 153 cows, around 7:30pm alleging that it was smuggled cattle from India.
At one stage, local transport workers and traders turned down the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)'s claim and in protest of the seizure, they held a blockade around 8pm by leaving trucks sporadically on the highway, creating severe traffic jam on the both sides of road.
9 BGB Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Abu Zafar Sheikh Mohammad Bazlul Hoque said 48 of the seized cattle were handed over to the local customs authorities as they had been smuggled from India while the rest were released.
Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Kabir said local people had lifted the blockade around 2:30am following a meeting between the blockaders and the administration.
