CNG strike called off, magistrate suspended

The nationwide CNG-refuelling-station strike called off around midday on Friday after an Executive Magistrate of a mobile court Abdul Hai, against whom refuelling station owners called the strike, was suspended.

Petrol Pump and CNG Filling Station Owners’

Association Executive Committee member Abdullah Al Mamun told bdnews24.com that they called off the strike after a meeting with Prime Minister’s Energy Advisor, Energy Secretary and Petrobangla Chairman.

“They have assured to fulfil our demands. We have agreed to withdraw our strike.”

A nationwide strike was in effect from 6:00am alleging ‘harassment’ and ‘illegal fines’ of mobile courts.

The owners accused the magistrate of extorting and harassing one of their members in Sylhet. The Magistrate had allegedly demanded Tk 500,000 as bribe from a Sylhet CNG station.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam confirmed the suspension to bdnews24.com on Friday morning.

The suspension order was issued after refueling stations across the country went on a strike from Friday morning in solidarity with its unit in Sylhet, where CNG filling stations had been closed since Thursday afternoon.