Shops vandalised in Bogura over alleged attack on worker leaders
They also attacked journalists covering the protest
Transport workers in Bogura staged protests and vandalised shops today (19 March) in response to an alleged attack on two leaders of the Bogura Motor Workers' Union.
Starting in the morning, workers halted transport services across all routes in the district but allowed vehicles from other regions to pass through.
The strike was called off around 12:30pm following intervention by the local administration.
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According to police and local sources, the altercation began on Tuesday evening (17 March) on Station Road when a dispute broke out between coconut traders and CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers.
During the incident, Bogura Motor Workers' Union Joint General Secretary Anwar Hossain Rana and member Hazrat Ali were injured while attempting to intervene.
They were later admitted to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
In protest, transport workers took to the streets in areas including Charmatha, Thonthonia, Haddipotti, and Station Road, blocking buses and auto-rickshaws. Many shops on Station Road remained closed due to the unrest.
During a demonstration on Station Road, some workers became agitated and vandalised two coconut warehouses before setting them on fire. They also attacked journalists covering the protest.
The situation was later brought under control by police and army personnel.
Bogura Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Moinuddin said, "The situation is now under control following intervention by transport owners and union leaders. Police patrols have been intensified."
Coconut trader Ratan was detained on Tuesday night in connection with the attack. However, no case has been filed yet, police said.
Locals said the warehouses belonged to Anwar Hossain Rana, one of the injured transport leaders, and were rented out to traders named Manik and Ratan.
The sudden transport strike caused severe disruptions for passengers, especially those travelling to Dhaka. Many had already purchased advance tickets but were unable to reach their destinations.
However, transport services gradually resumed around noon.
Ershadul Bari Ershad, acting general secretary of the Bogura District Bus-Minibus-Coach Owners' Association, said, "Transport workers went on strike in protest of the attack on our leaders. This led to a halt in bus services on all routes from Bogura. However, vehicles from other northern districts were not obstructed."
Bogura Motor Workers' Union President Syed Kabir Ahmed Mithu said, "We demand justice for the attack on our leaders. If action is not taken, we will be forced to announce tougher programmes."
