Bus services grind to a halt in Rajshahi over workers' union committee dispute
The agitating transport workers blocked routes, demanding the immediate cancellation of the announced committee and the formation of a three-month convenor committee to initiate a formal election process
All long-distance and inter-district bus services from Rajshahi have been suspended indefinitely today (18 May), leaving thousands of commuters heading to Dhaka and other national destinations in immense suffering.
A faction of the Rajshahi District Motor Sramik Union abruptly halted bus operations at around 8:30am. The apparent wildcat strike brought the regional transport network to a complete standstill, with no vehicles operating on any routes from the divisional city.
According to insiders, the agitation erupted after the Jatiya Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation announced a new 21-member committee for the Rajshahi District Motor Sramik Union yesterday.
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The newly formed committee named Rafikul Islam Pakhi as president and Mominul Islam Momin as general secretary.
However, a section of the workers rejected the committee, which had been formed without an election.
The agitating transport workers blocked routes, demanding the immediate cancellation of the announced committee and the formation of a three-month convenor committee to initiate a formal election process.
The internal dispute follows a violent clash on 23 April, when two rival groups of transport workers, armed with local weapons, chased each other in Rajshahi's Shiroil area to establish control over the union office.
The violence resulted in the vandalism of numerous shops adjacent to the bus terminal, prompting the federation to announce the new committee on a compromise basis.
When contacted, the newly announced president of the union, Rafikul Islam Pakhi, acknowledged the disruption.
"I have heard about it [the wildcat strike]. We are working to normalise the situation and resume bus operations as soon as possible," he said.
Meanwhile, the strike caught passengers completely off guard, forcing many to return home or look for alternative travel options.
Counters remained shut throughout the morning, leaving ticket holders stranded.
"I had purchased a ticket for a long-distance bus, but upon arriving at the station this morning, I found all the counters closed and no buses in sight," said Islam, a stranded passenger.
"With all routes suspended, I am forced to return home. This is harassment for ordinary people."
