MA Mannan, Bhola: Protesters interrupted a Dhaka-bound CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) laden track at Bhola Bus Stand, demanding that locally extracted gas have to be supplied for household and industrial use in the district rather than being sent to Dhaka.
on Friday (18 April) at about 10 at night, they stopped the CNG-laden truck belonging to Intraco Refueling Company in front of Bhola bus stand and made a chain block on the road.
This time they also staged demonstrations on the road for five-point demand includes the establishment of gas-based industries in Bhola. At that time, within moments, the matter spread on social media.
Earlier, around 10 am on Friday, in front of the K Jahan Shopping Mall in the town, a human chain was also formed under the banner of “Ba-Dwip Bhola Chhatra Kalyan Sangsad” demanding five points including setting up gas-based industries and connecting gas to every home in Bhola. The protesters also threatened and vowed to launch further toughen program if their demands are not met.
In May 2023, Intraco signed a deal with the state-owned Sundarban Gas Company to transport gas cylinders from Bhola to 18 factories in Dhaka. Under the agreement, the company currently supplies around 5 million cubic feet of gas daily to these facilities.
Intraco Company local representative Hafiz Uddin said, “On Friday night, when a vehicle loaded with gas cylinders left for Dhaka, students blocked a truck at the bus terminal area. In view of the students’ demands, it has been decided not to send the vehicle to Dhaka for the time being.”
“Upon the information, we rushed to the point, but the vehicle remained blocked till Saturday morning, as reported Wasib Alam, sub-inspector of Sadar Model Police Station.
“The matter has been reported to the higher authorities. Further action will be taken according to their decision.”
