Highway blocked, Barishal's road links severed as bus strike enters day 2
The strike resumed today after a dispute between bus and smaller human hauler vehicle workers, disrupted transport services for nearly three hours yesterday (24 August).
Bus owners and workers in Barishal continued their strike for a second consecutive day today (25 August), blocking roads around Nathullabad Central Bus Terminal and disrupting long-distance and local bus services, over demands for the arrest of those who allegedly assaulted bus workers.
The strike resumed today after a dispute between bus and smaller human hauler vehicle workers, disrupted transport services for nearly three hours yesterday (24 August).
Although an initiative was later taken to resolve the dispute through discussions between the two sides, no resolution was reached, police said.
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Today, bus workers blocked roads around the terminal, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting traffic on the Dhaka-Barishal highway.
President of the Barishal District Bus Owners' Group Mosharraf Hossain told reporters that the strike would continue until those involved in the assault were arrested. He demanded their immediate arrest.
The Bus Owners' Group also demanded a ban on the human haulers (locally known as mahindro) operating on highways, saying the strike would continue indefinitely if their demands were not met.
Meanwhile, mahindro workers staged a protest in Rahmatpur today by blocking local buses, accusing bus workers of creating disorder. They alleged that bus workers assault mahindro drivers and force passengers off the vehicles.
They warned that they would not allow local buses to operate on the route if the alleged harassment continued.
The dispute escalated after a local-route bus driver and helper were allegedly assaulted in the Rahmatpur area around 1:30pm.
Bus workers said four people, including a man named Hasan, were injured in the incident. Hasan, who was critically injured, was admitted to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
The group alleged that bus services had been obstructed at different locations since this morning, but the administration had not taken effective measures over the alleged assault on workers.
Officer-in-Charge of Airport Police Station in Barishal Metropolitan Police Shakhawat Hossain said police were holding discussions with both sides to resolve the dispute.
"I am talking to both parties and trying to resolve the issue. However, no effective efforts towards a compromise are visible between them as of yet. I have spoken with senior officials regarding the matter. Next steps will be taken as per their directives," he said.
