Car Dealers Protest Extortion Threats, Halt Business for Half a Day in Dhaka

Car traders in Dhaka observed a half-day shutdown and formed a human chain on Sunday to protest against repeated extortion demands and attacks targeting vehicle showrooms.

They warned that if the threats and extortion attempts are not stopped and those responsible are not arrested soon, car importers and dealers will halt vehicle delivery, registration, and tax payments starting next month.

The announcement came during a press conference following the demonstration, held under the banner of the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA). The event was led by the association’s president, Abdul Haque, and attended by several members and car traders.

The protest took place in Dhaka’s Baridhara area from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with all showrooms remaining closed during that time.

Speaking to reporters, Abdul Haque said that since August, several car dealers have received extortion threats through WhatsApp messages sent from fake numbers, often accompanied by photos of AK-47 rifles. So far, 12 showrooms have been attacked with improvised explosives (cocktails), he added.

These attacks are creating panic. We are being told that we cannot continue our business unless we pay,” Haque said. He noted that police reports have been filed, but no arrests have yet been made, leaving traders fearful and frustrated.

If this situation does not improve and the perpetrators are not caught within this month, we will suspend all car deliveries, registrations, and revenue payments from next month,” he warned.

Haque also said the demonstration aimed to show that businesspeople across the country stand united against extortion and are seeking the government’s protection.

Dealers reported that in recent months, at least 12 car showrooms in the Baridhara and Progoti Sarani areas—including Bismillah Car Center, Turbo Auto, Beg Auto, Car Selection, Hello Car, Zoom Auto, and Bishwas Import—have been targeted with small-scale explosive attacks.

After each explosion, messages demanding money were sent via WhatsApp from foreign numbers. Nearby showrooms were also threatened that similar attacks would follow if payments were not made.

The traders have called for an end to this climate of fear and extortion, urging authorities to take swift and visible action.