CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers staged a protest on the Bogura-Natore highway on Sunday, alleging extortion and harassment by Kundarhat Highway Police. The blockade began around 11 a.m. at Jamadar Pukur area in Shahjahanpur upazila and continued for about two hours. Witnesses said hundreds of auto-rickshaws were parked on the highway as drivers chanted slogans demanding an end to alleged extortion. The protest caused severe traffic congestion, leaving about 1,500 vehicles stranded and disrupting road communication between northern, southern, and western regions.

Police from Shahjahanpur station, led by Officer-in-Charge Ashiq Iqbal, arrived at the scene and held discussions with the protesters. The blockade was lifted after a mutual understanding was reached, restoring normal traffic flow. Kundarhat Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Hafiz Uddin denied the allegations, stating that no evidence of extortion by police personnel had been found and that legal action would be taken if any officer were proven involved.

The incident temporarily disrupted regional transport and highlighted tensions between local drivers and highway police authorities.