BARVIDA seeks govt action against attacks, extortion at car showrooms

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has warned the government that they would go for a tougher programme if a crackdown on extortionists and attackers who vandalised car showrooms was not initiated by October 30th.

President of BARVIDA Abdul Haque issued the warning at a press briefing at Pragati Sarani in the capital on Sunday.

He said they would not release any imported cars from sea ports (Chattogram and Mongla), would not pay duties and taxes to the government and would not register new cars with Bangladesh Road Transport Authority if their demands were not met within the deadline.

He added since August 5, 2024 unknown miscreants very frequently demanded toll from owners of the car showrooms located in Pragati Sarani and Baridhara areas.

He alleged that the miscreants even hurled crude bombs at the showrooms and created panicky situations.

He said that they (BARVIDA) conveyed it to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), urging them to look into the matter.

He admitted that the law enforcing agencies were extending cooperation in addressing the problem.

He, however, said that despite action taken by the law enforcing agencies to address the problem, the miscreants were still committing attacks on car showrooms and issued threats to their owners.

Earlier before the press briefing all car showrooms in different areas of the capital were shut down for half day on Sunday in protest against attack and extortion. Mr Abdul Haque condemned the attacks and extortion attempts.

"These miscreants (terrorists) are trying to create anarchic situation by creating panic among the business community. They want to halt business activities. The business community must get united to resist terror activities in the interests of the country's economy," he said.

"We (BARVIDA) call upon the ministry of home affairs and law enforcing agencies to take stern action against the miscreants," he maintained.

talhabihabib@yahoo.com