Transport Strike Paralyses Dinajpur Following Arrest of Krishak Dal Leader

A sudden transport strike launched by motor transport workers has effectively severed road communication between Dinajpur and surrounding upazilas, following the arrest of local Krishak Dal leader Mojibor Rahman for reportedly slapping a senior police official inside a police station.

From 10:00 am on Tuesday, 11 August, members of the District Motor Transport Workers’ Union took to the streets, setting up blockades at the four main entry points to Dinajpur town, along with several key intersections. The strike left commuters stranded, brought inter-district traffic to a standstill, and reportedly disrupted emergency services, including ambulance movements.

The agitation stems from the arrest of Mojibor Rahman, member secretary of the district unit of Krishak Dal and a former Volunteer Dal leader. Rahman, who also owns an easy-bike garage and holds membership in the Baluadanga Workers’ Union, was stripped of all political posts by his party on Monday for breaching organizational discipline and ideology.

The Station House Altercation and Subsequent Arrest

The incident occurred on Sunday evening at approximately 9:30 pm inside Kotwali Police Station. Nawabur Rahman, an inspector from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) dressed in plain clothes, had entered the station to consult an investigating officer and examine documents related to an ongoing murder case.

Simultaneously, Mojibor Rahman arrived at the station seeking a meeting with the Officer-in-Charge (OC), Mohammad Nurnabi. Finding the OC absent, Mojibor approached Inspector Nawabur outside the office to inquire about the OC’s whereabouts. A heated verbal altercation ensued between the two men, during which Mojibor allegedly slapped the police inspector and issued death threats, according to police sources.

Later that night, Inspector Nawabur filed a formal lawsuit at Kotwali Police Station naming Mojibor Rahman and two unidentified individuals. Law enforcement personnel promptly arrested Mojibor, who was subsequently remanded in judicial custody.

Union Demands and Physical Abuse Allegations

Transport union leadership has mounted a firm defense of Mojibor, alleging severe police misconduct while he was held in custody. Speaking on the blockades, Abdul Qaiyum, Convener of the District Motor Transport Workers’ Union, insisted that while the union respects the judicial process, police crossed legal boundaries by subjecting their member to physical abuse.

“Mojibor Rahman was severely beaten while in police custody and brought to court in a manner fit for a militant suspect. He could barely walk because of the brutal assault. Police cannot simply torture someone in custody like this. We are observing this blockade for four specific demands, including his unconditional release, and the strike will continue indefinitely until our demands are met.”

— Abdul Qaiyum, Convener, District Motor Transport Workers’ Union

The union’s four-point charter of demands includes:

• The immediate and unconditional release of Mojibor Rahman.

• The removal of Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Nurnabi.

• A departmental lawsuit against PBI Inspector Nawabur Rahman.

• The formation of an independent committee to thoroughly investigate the entire incident.

Public Impact and Police Response

Blockades at Baluadanga, Government College Intersection, C&B Intersection, and the Phulbari Bus Stand have created widespread public distress. Long-distance passengers and local commuters found themselves abruptly stranded, while city transport ground to a complete halt.

Responding to allegations of custodial violence, Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Abdul Halim denied that any physical torture occurred inside the station house, noting that Mojibor’s relatives, political colleagues, and union members were present around the facility during his detention. However, the senior officer assured that given the gravity of the allegations, police administration would conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Addressing the demand for the removal of OC Mohammad Nurnabi, Halim added that higher authorities would take appropriate administrative notice if any officer fails to deliver expected public services to the citizens of Dinajpur.