The protesters have been accused of being activists of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League. However, their identities and political affiliations could not be independently verified immediately.
Several videos circulating on social media show a large group of people carrying wooden oars and gathering in front of the toll plaza at the southern end of the bridge. They can be seen occupying the road and blocking access to the toll collection area, effectively bringing operations to a standstill.
The incident was broadcast live from several Facebook accounts. One of the accounts reportedly belonged to Danib Bin Iqbal, son of former Shariatpur-1 MP Iqbal Hossain Apu.
According to footage shared online, the protesters remained in position for approximately an hour, during which toll collection was suspended. Vehicles were left stranded on both sides of the bridge, disrupting an important transport route connecting the capital with the country’s south-western districts.
The situation reportedly became more volatile when several crude bombs exploded near the area. Videos also appear to show vehicles being vandalised during the disturbance. However, it was not immediately possible to establish who carried out the explosions or who was responsible for damaging the vehicles. No confirmed information was available on whether anyone had been injured.
The demonstrators were also heard chanting various political slogans. These included ‘Joy Bangla’ and ‘Joy Bangabandhu’, as well as slogans invoking ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former MP Iqbal Hossain Apu.
The use of oars during the demonstration was particularly noticeable in the footage, with large numbers of protesters carrying them while occupying the area in front of the toll plaza. The videos quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing attention to the incident and raising questions about security around the bridge.
Meanwhile, as more protesters reportedly gathered from different directions, police personnel at Padma Bridge South Police Station closed the station’s main entrance and remained inside the premises, according to information available following the incident.
Attempts were made to contact police officials at the station by telephone to obtain their account of the incident. However, they could not be reached at the time of reporting.
As a result, no official statement was immediately available regarding the blockade, the reported crude bomb explosions or the vandalism. The authorities had also not provided details about possible arrests, legal action or any investigation into those responsible.
The Padma Bridge is a major transport link between Dhaka and the country’s south-western region. It plays a significant role in passenger movement and the transportation of goods, making uninterrupted access to its toll facilities essential for road connectivity.
The temporary suspension of toll collection therefore caused disruption beyond the immediate protest site, leaving vehicles waiting on both sides of the bridge. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the demonstration, the extent of the damage and any subsequent police action remain subject to official confirmation.
