In protest of extortion and repeated attacks on car showrooms, Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) closed all showrooms across the country for the first half of Sunday.
The demonstration, held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, was in response to the extortion and cocktail bomb attacks on member showrooms over recent months, aiming to ensure business safety and maintain consumer trust.
Several hundred Barvida members gathered at the Coca-Cola intersection in the city’s Pragati Sharani area, forming a human chain.
Barvida leaders had previously met with Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Chief to report the ongoing threats. Despite law enforcement efforts, extortionist groups continue to target car dealerships.
The protestors expressed concerns over growing insecurity, with showroom owners and customers feeling unsafe, leading to disruption in business operations.
Barvida highlighted its vital role in the local economy, importing high-quality, environmentally friendly vehicles for over four decades.
With nearly 1300 members, Barvida contributes to the transport sector, creates jobs and pays revenue to the government, it said in a press statement.
Barvida has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding resolution by October 31, 2025, or the association will halt vehicle clearance through the port and suspend vehicle registration with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
