Merchants block Dhaka-Ctg highway

N’ganj Correspondent :

Small traders of Mitali Market in Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway on Sunday afternoon protesting the disconnection of electricity to their market.

Around 3:30 pm, they staged a demonstration on the Dhaka-bound lane near the Signboard area, triggering severe traffic congestion and causing suffering for commuters.

The blockade continued for about 40 minutes and was withdrawn around 4:15 pm following assurances from police.

During the march, traders chanted slogans including “We want electricity” and “Restore power, save traders.”

They claimed that they have been without electricity for nine days, forcing shops to remain closed and causing severe financial losses.

Protesting traders said former leaders of the market owners’ association had long been misappropriating funds.

Currently, electricity bills amounting to 5.2 million taka are outstanding, due to which DPDC disconnected the market’s power supply. They said running businesses without electricity is impossible.

The market has about 3,000 shops involving the livelihoods of thousands of people. If electricity is not restored soon, their livelihoods will be at risk. They called on the authorities to resolve the issue immediately.