Mobile Phone Traders Block Road at Karwan Bazar, Bringing Traffic to a Standstill

Mobile phone traders staged a road blockade at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon, disrupting traffic and causing widespread inconvenience to commuters, local residents and businesses. The protest began at around 5:30 pm when traders took to the streets near the Sark Fountain intersection, halting all vehicular movement in the area.

The demonstrators were demanding reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), the abolition of what they described as a monopolistic syndicate system, and the introduction of an open import policy for mobile phones. According to the traders, these longstanding issues have severely constrained their businesses and obstructed the normal flow of trade.

Eyewitnesses said that as soon as the blockade began, protesters placed pieces of wood and bamboo on the road and set them on fire, while chanting slogans to press their demands. Allegations have also emerged that some protesters attempted to damage vehicles to intensify pressure on the authorities. As a result, tension spread across the area, further aggravating the already critical traffic situation.

Due to the blockade, traffic at the Sark Fountain intersection came to a complete halt. Public transport, private vehicles and goods-carrying transport were stranded for extended periods, causing severe suffering for passengers and drivers alike. Many commuters were seen walking long distances in an attempt to reach their destinations, while others remained stuck inside vehicles amid growing frustration. Local shopkeepers reported a noticeable decline in customers, adding to their losses for the day.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Tejgaon Zone) Mohammad Akkach Ali confirmed that vehicle movement had been completely suspended at the Sark Fountain intersection because of the roadblock. He said police units were deployed at the scene and were working to bring the situation under control. According to him, law enforcement agencies were trying to resolve the issue peacefully and restore normal traffic as soon as possible.

The protesting traders said they have been raising their demands for a long time without receiving a satisfactory response. They argued that the current NEIR system, combined with syndicate dominance and limited import options, has created unnecessary restrictions and made it increasingly difficult for small and medium traders to survive. They warned that such protest programmes would continue if their demands remained unaddressed.

Meanwhile, police and administrative authorities stated that necessary measures were being taken to normalise the situation, resume traffic movement and engage in dialogue with the protesters. However, it remains unclear how quickly an understanding can be reached or to what extent the traders’ demands will be accommodated.

As the blockade persisted into the evening, the impact on daily life around Karwan Bazar continued to grow, highlighting once again how street protests in key commercial areas can disrupt the city’s already fragile transport system and economic activity.