A clash broke out between highway police and local three-wheeler workers in the Nimsar area of Cumilla’s Burichang upazila today, over the alleged assault of an auto-rickshaw driver.
The incident took place around 12:00pm at Nimsar Bazar, during which a highway police vehicle was vandalised, Cumilla Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Abdul Momin said, adding that police were collecting information about the incident.
"We are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident and identifying those involved in vandalising the police vehicle. Necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings," he said.
Speaking to The Daily Star, transport worker Zakir Hossain said an argument broke out between a highway police officer and the driver of an auto-rickshaw carrying vegetables and other produce. Although the driver reportedly apologised, the officer allegedly became enraged and struck the vehicle's front windshield.
According to locals, the windshield shattered, injuring the driver in the face and eye. As news of the incident spread, traders and local residents gathered at the market and became agitated. A confrontation later ensued between police and locals.
Witnesses said that after police withdrew from the scene, an angry crowd vandalised a highway police vehicle.
However, locals suggested that frustration had been building among small-scale auto-rickshaw, trolley and pickup drivers over frequent vehicle seizures, fines, extortion and legal cases involving vehicles transporting agricultural goods to Nimsar Bazar, one of the country's largest vegetable markets.
Locals said that until recently, auto-rickshaws, trolleys, CNG-run vehicles and pickups had been allowed to use the highway during the early morning hours, particularly before 7:00am, to transport produce. They alleged that enforcement drives had intensified over the past two days, resulting in widespread detentions and vehicle seizures.
Some residents also alleged that while numerous unauthorised three-wheeler vehicles continue to operate on the highway, enforcement actions appear to focus mainly on drivers who lack specific route permits or tokens.
As of filing this report, no case had been filed in connection with the incident. However, police surveillance in the area has been increased to maintain law and order.
