Transport workers have blocked Dhaka-Chittagong highway for three hours and a half as extortionists beat up the workers after they refused to give extortion.
The angry workers put barricade on the highway around 2pm and withdrew it around 5:30pm.
Asia Paribahan owner Rois Abdur Rob alleged a group of ruling party men led by Apu, Yeasin and Dewar demanded extortion from the bus staffs in Paduar Bazar on Thursday afternoon.
"The extortionists beat up the staffs as they refused to give the demanded money. Being informed, Comilla District Bus Workers' Union President Mohammad Ali and General Secretary Motahar Hossain rushed to the spot. Then, the miscreants beat up the leaders too in presence of sadar police station OC Proshanto Paul," he added.
He said critically injured Mohammad Ali was admitted to a local hospital.
The transport workers took to the street following the assault, he further said.
District Transport Owners Association President Kabir Ahmed said the agitating workers vandalised 10 to 12 vehicles on the highway.
"We withdrew the blockade after getting assurance from the police super to withdraw the OC and arrest the extortionists," he added.
However, OC Proshanto Paul said the allegation against him was not true. "We rushed in the spot and took the situation under control."
