Traders and workers at traditional Kalaiya Port in Patuakhali’s Bauphal closed shops and staged protests on Thursday over alleged extortion attempts, and a subsequent violent attack.
The protest, joined by other port traders, included a human chain on Sundari Cinema Hall Road around 12:30 p.m. followed by a march.
Md. Shahidul Mollah, owner of Mayer Doa Furniture Mart, alleged Chhatra Dal leader Yasin demanded Tk 2 lakh on Monday and threatened him upon refusal. Shahidul informed Yuva Dal’s Swapon Mridha, Rubel Chowkidar, and Swecchasebak Dal’s Riaz Panchayet. Consequently, an arbitration was organized on Wednesday evening at Sundari Cinema Hall.
However, Chhatra Dal leader Ibrahim and his associates allegedly disrupted the session, attacking traders with iron rods and hammers, injuring at least 20 people. Shahin Mollah, Md. Rabbi, and Shahidul were hospitalized at Bauphal Upazila Health Complex.
Ibrahim rejected the allegations as a "staged drama" involving Jamaat, vowing to hand Yasin-whose phone was switched off-to police if proven guilty. Arbitrator Swapon Mridha condemned Ibrahim's behavior.
Bauphal Police OC Sirajul Islam said police restored order and will investigate once a formal complaint is filed.