Motorcycles banned on Chattogram's Akhtaruzzaman Flyover following petrol bomb attacks

Detailed summary

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has suspended motorcycle movement on the busy Akhtaruzzaman Flyover until further notice over fears of sabotage, following recent petrol…

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has suspended motorcycle movement on the busy Akhtaruzzaman Flyover until further notice over fears of sabotage, following recent petrol bomb attacks from the structure.

The move has caused inconvenience to commuters, particularly office-going and working people.Police said the decision came after an incident on the night of November 5, when petrol bombs were thrown from the flyover towards the LGED office building and the land office in Chattogram’s Sholashahar area. No casualties were reported.

Police also expressed concern that leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League and Jubo League were carrying out sabotage at different locations from the flyover.

Confirming the restriction, CMP Deputy Commissioner (North) Mostafa Hasan Swapan told The Daily Star, “We have suspended motorcycle movement on the flyover over fears that motorcycles could be used to carry out acts of sabotage. Motorcycles will be allowed back on the flyover once the situation returns to normal.”

“The decision was taken following two incidents of sabotage a few days ago,” he added.A CMP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League and Jubo League are carrying out acts of sabotage from the flyover. Videos of these incidents are being circulated on various Facebook accounts. However, we have been unable to identify those responsible. We have therefore been compelled to impose the restriction for security reasons.”

This morning, police were seen stopping motorcycles from entering the flyover at Muradpur and Sholashahar Gate No. 2.

Motorcycle rider Sheikh Muntasir Khalil expressed frustration in a Facebook post, writing, “Motorcycle movement on the flyover has been suspended instead of identifying the criminals. It is like cutting off the head to cure a headache. Then why is the government collecting taxes?”

Earlier, motorcycle movement on the Chattogram Elevated Expressway, connecting Lalkhan Bazar…

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Daily Star. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.