Staff Reporter:
Mobile phone traders blocked the Hotel Sonargaon crossing in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area yesterday evening demanding the reform of the proposed National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy, triggering severe traffic congestion that spread to other parts of Dhaka.
Tejgaon Traffic Police ADC Tania Sultana said the traders took position at Sonargaon crossing around 6pm and obstructed vehicular movement, causing gridlock on major connecting roads.
The blockade brought traffic to a standstill at the busy intersection, with the impact spilling over into several adjoining areas.
Witnesses said the protesting traders gathered at the Karwan Bazar roundabout shortly after evening and began protesting by setting fire on the road.
They continued their sit-in till the filing of this report at around 8pm.
Traffic movement from Karwan Bazar towards Shahbagh, Rampura, Panthapath and Farmgate was halt-ed, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak evening hours.
The suspension of movement on all major routes caused immense suffering to those returning home from work and others.
