Jatrabari protesters block highway over gas crisis

On Monday, hundreds of locals in Dhaka's Jatrabari region protested against recurrent and severe petrol shortages by obstructing traffic on a major national route. The demonstrators threatened to escalate their agitation if the problem was not handled within 24 hours.

The protest, which included Shekdi people, resulted in blockades on critical portions of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, including Shanir Akhra and Kajla. This action brought vehicle traffic to a halt for several hours.

Locals expressed significant frustration with Titas Gas, the state-owned gas distribution firm, alleging that the extended crisis has rendered basic tasks such as cooking "nearly impossible". Many others reported having to rely on pricey alternative energy to prepare meals.

According to organisers, the demonstrations were sparked by the company's "failure to provide any meaningful assurance" despite many verbal and written objections registered with Titas Gas zonal offices and headquarters.

The protest was momentarily halted after demonstrators got assurances from the District Commissioner. "The ongoing protest has been peacefully concluded, as promised by the District Commissioner," said Ali Fuaad, one of the organisers.

The demonstrators, however, emphasised that the break is just temporary and promised to restart their agitation on Wednesday if Titas Gas fails to meet their requests for a steady gas supply within the next 24 hours.