Md. Nur Islam Nayan, Dinajpur Correspondent: Potato farmers and traders have held a human chain and highway blockade program in Birganj, Dinajpur to protest the rent hike in cold stores and demand an end to unnecessary harassment. (23 February 2025) On Sunday morning, the human chain began at the Shaheed Minar square in Birganj Municipality at the call of the Potato Farmers and Potato Traders Association Limited. This program was held as part of the previously announced seven-day ultimatum. After the human chain that started at 9 am, around 10:30 am, the potato farmers blocked the Dhaka-Panchagarh highway by dumping potatoes. Abdul Malek, President of Potato Farmers and Traders Association Limited, presided over the human chain. At that time, he said, “Potato farmers are facing financial losses and losing capital. Potato production is gradually becoming unpopular. The administration has not taken any effective steps to solve our long-standing problems. Upazila BNP General Secretary Zakir Hossain Dhalu, Jamaat leader Jasim Uddin, UP member Ansarul Islam, farmer Rezaul Islam, and businessman Kashim Uddin, among others, spoke at the event, declaring solidarity. Farmer Kashim Uddin complained, “The owners of the cold stores have been making exclusive profits for a long time. The imposition of additional rent for potato storage and various harassments have put us in an unbearable situation. Upon receiving news of the highway blockade, Birganj Upazila Executive Officer Fazle Elahi and Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Gafur quickly reached the spot. They assured to discuss with higher authorities to resolve the demands of the blockaders. However, the protesters initially refused to come to any decision. An administration team locked the cold stores to bring the situation under control. Later, the protesters suspended their program and withdrew the road blockade around 1 pm. Thousands of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway due to the blockade, causing inconvenience to commuters. The protesters demanded a reduction in the excessive rent of cold storage, ensuring systematic management, and effective initiatives from the administration.
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