Gazipur, Sept. 28 -- run autorickshaw drivers in Gazipur blocked Dhaka-Tangail highway on Sunday demanding free movement of their vehicles and protesting 'police harassment, extortion and other irregularities'.

The protest began around 11:45am near Naojor area, causing severe traffic gridlock on the highway and suffering of commuters.

Police cleared the highway after about one and a half hours, allowing traffic movement, Officer-in-charge of Bashan Police Station Md Shaheen Khan.

Protesting drivers alleged that they frequently face harassment while operating on the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways.

"Police stop vehicles illegally and file cases while some officers demand bribes. We have come out on the streets to protest th...