Manikganj: The BNP’s general strike, which began on Sunday (October 29), has had no significant impact on the Dhaka-Aricha highway section in Manikganj. However, long-distance vehicles are less visible on the highway, while local transportation is still operational.
From early morning until around 8 AM on Sunday, this is the scene on the Dhaka-Aricha highway. Approximately 10 to 15 police officers have been deployed at almost every station, responsible for ensuring public safety. On the other hand, the highway police have kept the highway toll-free. So far, no BNP or Jamaat leaders or activists have been seen on the highway during the morning and evening strike, and there have been no adverse reports.
Mohajon Dewan, a driver of a selfie vehicle departing from the Patuaria terminal, mentioned, “We have been stranded since morning at the terminal, where there are no passengers, and similarly, there are no passengers on the road either. People are fearful, but there are a significant number of police officers deployed on the highway.”
Talking with Abdullah, an NGO worker from the Baniyajuri area, he said, “From the morning, I have had to make the journey stage by stage. There are no vehicles moving on the road. I must go to the office, so I am forced to take a rickshaw on the highway.”
Sukhendu Basu, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Golra Highway Police Station, stated, “There is no significant impact of the BNP’s general strike in Manikganj. While there is a slight reduction in long-distance bus services in the area, local buses, trucks, and private cars are operating normally. Highways are being policed to prevent any untoward incidents, and highway police are conducting toll activities.”
