Bus owners and workers in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila staged a four-hour road blockade on Sunday evening to protest alleged extortion carried out in the name of transport owners’ and workers’ associations. The protest, held from evening until 9 p.m. near the Jaldhaka bus stand, caused severe traffic congestion, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and passengers suffering long delays. Police later intervened, holding discussions with both sides, which led to the withdrawal of the blockade.

According to local sources and transport operators, buses operating on the Dimla route have been forced to pay around 900 taka daily as extortion under the guise of association fees. Those refusing to pay reportedly face harassment. Protesters said such practices are not common on most other routes in the country. The blockade disrupted traffic on the Jaldhaka-Dimla-Rangpur regional road, affecting long-distance and local routes alike.

Police officials confirmed that all forms of toll, extortion, or service charges on the route have been suspended until further meetings or decisions are made.