Saidpur, Nilphamari – Fish traders in Saidpur have kept the city’s main fish market closed for three consecutive days in protest against a persistent extortion racket, causing severe inconvenience to local residents as well as wholesale buyers who travel from distant areas. The traders have declared that they will not reopen their shops until those responsible for the extortion are brought to justice.
A visit to the market on Sunday night (11 January) revealed that all shops remained shut. Earlier that afternoon, traders staged a demonstration demanding punitive action against the extortionists and justice for the victims.
According to the traders, Wakar Ali, a resident of the Gopalpara area, along with several accomplices, had been regularly collecting daily extortion payments from fish sellers in the market. On Thursday evening, when the group attempted to collect payment, the traders refused. Enraged, the men assaulted several fish sellers.
Following the incident, the affected traders filed a written complaint at the Saidpur police station and launched a market-wide closure in protest, which has now continued for three days.
Traders Speak Out
Rahmat Ali, a fish seller, said, “We have been paying Wakar Ali and his associates for a long time. But the situation in the country has changed, and we can no longer afford it. Our earnings from selling fish barely support our families—how can we give them money on top of that?”
Another trader, Nawshad Hossain Polu, added, “They attacked us simply because we refused to pay. All of us have closed our shops in protest and lodged complaints with the police. Until we receive fair justice, the entire fish market will remain closed. We have also taken our protest to the streets and will escalate it further if necessary.”
Police Response
Saidpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Rezaul Karim Reza, confirmed, “We have received a written complaint, and an investigation is underway. The matter will be resolved promptly.”
Impact on the Market
| Date | Status of Fish Market | Reason for Closure | Traders’ Action | Police Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Jan | Open | Normal operation | N/A | N/A |
| 10 Jan | Closed | Protest against extortion | Shops closed, demonstration held | Complaint received |
| 11 Jan | Closed | Protest continues | Shops closed | Investigation ongoing |
| 12 Jan | Closed | Ongoing protest | Traders vow not to reopen | Investigation ongoing |
The shutdown has significantly affected both the local population and visiting wholesalers who depend on Saidpur as a major fish trading hub. Market insiders warn that if justice is delayed, the protest could intensify, potentially leading to a prolonged suspension of trade in the city’s primary fish market.