The Greater Mirpur Laguna Owners-Workers Union has alleged that five Laguna (human hauler) stands in Mirpur have been taken over by force, an extortion fee of Tk300 per vehicle demanded, and owners physically assaulted.
The organisation has demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and an impartial investigation into the incidents.
Union President Md Yakub Ali detailed these allegations during a press conference held on Friday afternoon at the Sagor-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.
According to Md Yakub Ali, the five Laguna stands in Section 1 of Mirpur were seized at around 11:30am on Monday through brandishing weapons and intimidation.
He alleged that individuals known as supporters and associates of SA Siddique Saju, a rebel Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Dhaka-14 constituency, were involved in the takeover.
He specifically named Biplob, Soleman Dewan, Faruk Hossain, Mohabbat Ali, Mavel Bhuiyan, Taiyab Ali, Alamgir Hossain, Shamim, and Mojibor Rahman, along with approximately 60 to 70 others, as being linked to the takeover of the stands and demanding extortion money from roadside vendors.
The organisation further alleged that an extortion fee of Tk300 is being demanded from Laguna owners for each vehicle, with threats and pressure applied to those who refuse to pay. Physical attacks were also reported against Laguna owners Yakub Ali, Nazrul Islam, and Babul.
The union said that Yakub Ali bears injury marks on his body and that his medical documents and treatment reports are currently in the possession of the organisation.
It was also alleged at the press conference that when Yakub Ali went to Darus Salam Police Station to lodge a formal complaint regarding the attack, the police refused to accept it.
The organisation noted that extortion charges had previously been brought against Yakub Ali, but he was later released following court proceedings, the organisation claimed.
Yakub Ali said that the union possesses video footage of the incident, medical records, and other supporting evidence, which they are prepared to present to an independent investigating body. He called for the truth to be unearthed by cross-checking eyewitness statements, CCTV footage, and other relevant information.
From the press conference, the organisation outlined several specific demands, including a full investigation into the allegations of taking over the five Laguna stands, the identification and arrest of the individuals involved in physical assaults, and legal action regarding the extortion demands and brandishing of weapons.
They also called for an inquiry into why Darus Salam Police Station refused to accept the complaint, alongside measures to ensure a safe business environment for Laguna owners and drivers to operate securely.
The union urged that no political identity or social influence should be permitted to affect the investigation or legal proceedings. Stating that they do not seek conflict or retaliation, the organisation stressed that they want an impartial inquiry, evidence-based decisions, and the proper enforcement of law.
