In Manikganj's Singair Upazila, local residents staged a protest demanding the cessation of toll collection at the Shahid Rafiq Bridge. Following the demonstration, the protesters set fire to the four toll plazas situated on the eastern side of the bridge, causing significant damage.
The protest, which took place on Thursday (12 September) began around 10:30am on the Singair-Hemayetpur Regional Highway.
During the unrest, the officials responsible for toll collection fled the scene out of fear, leading to a halt in traffic for approximately 30 minutes. Traffic gradually resumed afterwards.
Since the completion of the bridge's construction, toll collection has been carried out for the past 24 years by employees appointed by the contracting firm.
Protesters explained that the Singair-Hemayetpur Regional Highway serves as an alternative route to the Dhaka-Aricha Highway.
The Shahid Rafiq Bridge has been subject to tolls for two decades, causing inconvenience to truck drivers and vegetable traders who frequently use the road.
They further noted that despite several previous protests against the toll collection, no tangible results have been achieved due to corrupt practices by some political figures in past governments.
The protesters have now urged the current administration to address their demands and permanently abolish toll collection at the bridge.
