The Greater Mirpur Lagoon Owners and Workers’ Union has accused a group of people of taking control of five lagoon stands in the capital’s Mirpur area, demanding Tk 300 per vehicle and assaulting vehicle owners. The organisation has called for an impartial investigation, the arrest of those responsible and effective measures to protect lagoon owners and drivers from intimidation.
The allegations were made by the union’s president, Md Yakub Ali, at a press conference held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Friday, 9 October.
Yakub Ali claimed that five lagoon stands in Section 1 of Mirpur were taken over at around 11.30 am on 5 October after a group of people allegedly used weapons to intimidate those present. He also alleged that several individuals described as supporters and associates of S A Siddik Saju, a rebel candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the Dhaka-14 constituency, were involved in the incident.
During the press conference, the union named several individuals, including Biplob, Soleman Dewan, Faruk Hossain, Mahabbat Ali, Mavel Bhuiyan, Tayeb Ali, Alamgir Hossain, Shamim and Mojibor Rahman. According to the organisation, around 60 to 70 people, including those named, were involved in taking control of the stands and attempting to collect money from footpath users.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no responses from the individuals named were included in the information presented at the press conference.
Alleged levy of Tk 300 per vehicle
The union claimed that lagoon owners had been instructed to pay Tk 300 for each vehicle operating from the affected stands. Those refusing to pay were allegedly being threatened and subjected to various forms of pressure.
Lagoon services provide an important means of local transport in parts of Dhaka. Disputes over stand control and alleged unauthorised collections can affect vehicle owners’ earnings, drivers’ livelihoods and the regular operation of transport services. If operators are compelled to make payments to retain access to their stands, the additional costs may also place pressure on an already competitive business.
The union also raised allegations of assaults on lagoon owners Yakub Ali, Nazrul Islam and Babul. It said Yakub Ali had visible injuries and that medical documents and treatment reports relating to his condition were in its possession.
The organisation said it was prepared to provide these documents, along with video footage and other evidence, to an impartial investigative authority. Yakub Ali urged investigators to examine the available material, interview eyewitnesses and review relevant closed-circuit television footage to establish what happened.
Complaint allegedly not accepted by police
Yakub Ali further claimed that he went to Darus Salam Police Station to report the alleged assault, but his complaint was not accepted. The union has called for the circumstances surrounding the alleged refusal to be examined.
The organisation also acknowledged that Yakub Ali had previously faced an allegation of extortion, but said he was released following court proceedings. No further details about the earlier allegation or the court proceedings were provided at the press conference.
The claim that police refused to accept a complaint remains unverified. Establishing whether a complaint was submitted, whether it was formally recorded and what action, if any, was taken would help clarify the matter.
The union has urged the relevant authorities to investigate both the alleged attacks and the handling of the complaint. It says the investigation should be based on evidence rather than assumptions about the people involved.
Union calls for arrests and protection
The organisation has outlined several demands, including an investigation into the alleged seizure of the five lagoon stands, the identification and arrest of those responsible, and legal action over the reported use of weapons and demands for money.
It has also called for the allegation that police refused to accept Yakub Ali’s complaint to be investigated. At the same time, it wants the authorities to ensure that lagoon owners and drivers can continue their work without threats, intimidation or harassment.
Union leaders stressed that political affiliations or social influence should not obstruct an investigation or the application of the law. They said they wanted a fair process based on evidence, rather than confrontation or retaliation.
The allegations raise concerns about the security of transport operators and the management of public transport stands in the capital. However, the claims made at the press conference do not, by themselves, establish the guilt of any individual. The identities and roles of those involved must be determined through a proper investigation, with all relevant parties given an opportunity to respond.
No detailed information about an official investigation, action against the individuals named or responses from the accused was provided in the account of the press conference.
A transparent inquiry examining witness statements, medical records, video footage and any other relevant evidence would help establish whether the alleged takeover, assaults and demands for money took place. Appropriate legal action, where supported by evidence, would also be necessary to protect transport operators and prevent further disputes over control of the stands.
