CNG‑run three‑wheeler drivers blocked the Jamalpur–Tangail highway for four and a half hours on Thursday, demanding new gas filling stations and a smooth supply of compressed natural gas.
The blockade began at 6am at the New Bypass intersection near the Jamalpur BSCIC area and was withdrawn around 10:30am after assurances from Jamalpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nazneen Akhter.
The protest caused severe traffic congestion, with queues stretching several kilometres. Hundreds of commuters, including office‑goers and passengers of buses, trucks, pickups and smaller vehicles, were stranded; many walked to their destinations. Traffic gradually resumed after the blockade was lifted.
Drivers said Jamalpur has only one gas station, Javed Filling Station, serving about 3,000 registered three‑wheelers and an estimated 5,000 vehicles in total. They complained of daily queues and frequent shortages that disrupt earnings.
“We have been suffering from an acute gas crisis for a long time. Thousands of CNGs come to a single pump. We often wait for hours only to return empty‑handed,” driver Azizul Huq said.
“We blocked the highway to demand a new pump and a permanent solution,” he added.
Another driver, Sakhawat Hossain, said they cleared the highway after the UNO assured their demands would be conveyed to higher authorities.
UNO Nazneen Akhter confirmed the development, saying the issues of gas shortage and the need for a new pump would be presented to relevant authorities.
Jamalpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-charge Nazmus Sakib said the blockade was lifted following talks with the drivers, and traffic has since returned to normal.
