Residents and local businesspeople staged a human chain and protest at Paikardi Bazar in Narsingdi Sadar, alleging that establishments were demolished through the use of a mobile court. The hour-long programme began at noon on Wednesday on the Panchdona-Danga road and drew more than 100 residents and traders. Protesters said several businesses at the market were torn down on August 12, causing traders financial losses amounting to lakhs of taka.

Speakers alleged that a group linked to beneficiaries of the former government influenced several Roads and Highways Department officials in exchange for large sums of money. They specifically named surveyor Masud Parvez among officials they accused of verbally allowing certain locally influential people to build multistorey structures. Traders further alleged that the group sought unethical monthly payments from small businesses and demolished shops after owners refused.

The protesters demanded a proper investigation, suitable compensation for affected traders and strict action against officials found responsible. Executive Engineer Reza-e-Rabbi said the mobile court was part of a regular government programme to remove all illegal structures along both sides of the Panchdona-Danga road. He said occupants had been asked in advance through notices and letters to remove their structures, and eviction would continue along the full road.