Transport strike in Bhola as clashes ensue between bus, CNG drivers
A violent clash between bus drivers, workers, and CNG drivers in Bhola has resulted in the torching of two buses, vandalism of seven others, and injuries to several bus workers. Five CNGs were set on fire in the incident, and another five were vandalised
In protest against the incident, the District Bus Owners' Association has declared an indefinite transport strike on five major routes—from Bhola to Daulatkhan, Tajumuddin, Charfesson, Ilisha, and Vheduria—causing severe disruption for commuters.
At least 50 people were injured from both groups, with 15 critically wounded individuals receiving treatment at Bhola Sadar Hospital and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College in Barishal.
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The clash ensued yesterday (28 January) night at Bir Shrestha Mostafa Kamal Bus Terminal over parking CNGs inside the bus terminal. Tensions escalated, leading to repeated violent encounters between the two groups.
Visiting the bus terminal today showed that no buses departed from the terminal, no bus entered the terminal either.
Many passengers were left stranded, with some resorting to alternative transportation at significantly higher fares, while others waited in hope of bus services resuming.
Bus workers have taken position at the road in front of the terminal since dawn.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhola Sadar model police station Abu Shahadat Hasnain Parvez said, tensions arose today morning as well. "Law enforcement intervened to bring the situation under control. Authorities have called both parties for discussions. The situation is now under control," he said.
Mohammad Hossain, a student of Bhola Polytechnic Institute, expressed his frustration, stating, "I came to the bus stand to travel but found out that all bus services are suspended. Now, I'm stuck here and don't know how to reach my college."
Liza Begum, who traveled from Charfesson to Bhola for her child's medical treatment, said, "I arrived in Bhola yesterday morning. After hearing about the clashes, I stayed at a relative's house overnight. Now, I'm trying to return home, but there are no buses. Other transport services are charging excessive fares."
Another commuter, Kamrul, heading to Charfesson, said, "Other transport operators are taking advantage of the situation. I had to pay three times the usual fare for a microbus. We are facing immense trouble and hope that bus services resume soon."
Md. Humayun Kabir Selim, joint secretary of the Bhola District Bus Owners' Association, stated, "Last night, CNG drivers and owners attacked us, setting two of our buses on fire and vandalising others. Fifty of our workers were injured. In protest, we have decided not to operate our buses indefinitely. We have suffered losses of around Tk1.5 crore and demand compensation and justice."
On the other hand, CNG driver Liakat Hossain alleged that bus owners and workers were oppressing them. "They don't allow us to pick up passengers from the road. We are at their mercy," he claimed.
He further stated over the phone, "Last night, they vandalised our CNGs for parking near the terminal. When we protested, they started beating us. Today, they set fire to three or four more CNGs. We demand an end to the bus owners' oppression."
