Intra-Union Violence Erupts in Mymensingh Over Extortion Claims

A violent confrontation broke out on Monday, 20th April 2026, between rival factions of the Sramik Dal (the labour wing of the BNP) in Mymensingh. The skirmish, which occurred at a newly relocated CNG-run auto-rickshaw stand, was allegedly triggered by disputes regarding illegal extortion. The incident has left two individuals seriously hospitalised and sparked widespread indignation among general transport workers in the city.

Escalation Near the Prison Gates

The clash occurred during the afternoon hours in the vicinity of the Mymensingh Central Jail gate. According to local witnesses, tensions boiled over when supporters of Debabrata Das Dukul, the Joint General Secretary of the Divisional Sramik Dal, reportedly attempted to enforce daily “subscription fees” on drivers at the relocated terminal.

The ensuing physical altercation resulted in severe injuries to Ramjan Ali (45), the President of the Ward No. 2 Sramik Dal and a professional driver, and Md. Rashed (24). Both victims were rushed to the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), where they are currently undergoing treatment for trauma-related injuries.

The Root of the Conflict: Relocation and Rackets

The dispute is rooted in a recent administrative directive aimed at alleviating urban gridlock. The local authorities had ordered the relocation of the long-standing CNG stand from the Town Hall area to the Jail Gate premises.

Shahidul Islam Dulal, President of the Metropolitan Sramik Dal, provided a detailed account of the escalation. He alleged that as soon as the new stand became operational, Dukul demanded a daily levy from the operators. “When the drivers protested against this blatant extortion, a group of armed miscreants led by Dukul launched a pre-planned assault,” Dulal stated.

Dulal further noted that the transport sector in Mymensingh has long been plagued by Dukul’s alleged racketeering. He highlighted that previous protests against these activities had even led to the blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway. Dukul had recently been released on bail in connection with prior extortion charges, an event Dulal claims has emboldened the leader to resume his “reckless” activities.

Counter-Claims and Administrative Response

In his defence, Debabrata Das Dukul categorically denied the allegations of extortion. He asserted that his faction had legally leased space near the stadium area from the District Sports Association to establish a formal stand. “There was a disagreement between different groups of drivers, but I did not lead any assault. In fact, I was the one targeted during the commotion,” he countered.

The local law enforcement agencies have stepped in to prevent further bloodshed. Abdullah Al Mamun, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) for Mymensingh District, confirmed that the police are actively investigating the matter.

“We have received reports of a physical altercation resulting in injuries,” the ASP remarked. “Our officers are on the ground to determine the exact sequence of events and identify the perpetrators. We are treating the allegations of extortion with the utmost seriousness.”

Implications for Urban Stability

The incident underscores the volatile nature of transport management in major regional hubs. As Mymensingh attempts to modernise its traffic flow through relocation projects, the persistence of “extortion culture” threatens to derail these administrative efforts. The general drivers have expressed a “deep sense of resentment,” warning that if the authorities fail to curb the influence of powerful union leaders, they may be forced to initiate a complete strike, further paralysing the city’s transport network.