Dhaka-bound bus services halted for second day in three districts, passengers stranded
This morning, frustrated travellers crowded Rajshahi’s Shiroil Bus Terminal only to find no Dhaka-bound buses operating
Bus services to Dhaka from Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi and Natore remain suspended for the second consecutive day today (27 September), leaving many passengers stranded ahead of the Durga Puja holidays.
Bus owners halted long-haul services without prior notice on the night of 25 September amid a standoff over wage hikes for transport workers, despite an agreement reached just two days earlier.
This shutdown has caused travellers immense suffering
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This morning, frustrated travellers crowded Rajshahi's Shiroil Bus Terminal only to find no Dhaka-bound buses operating. Many expressed anger that services were abruptly cut off during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
"I had bought a ticket last Tuesday (23 September) from Desh Travels for today, but yesterday they called and told me to return it," said Hafizur Rahman, a passenger bound for Dhaka.
"After much struggle, I managed to get a seat with Ekota Paribahan. This shutdown has caused travellers immense suffering," he added.
Following protests, workers and bus owners met in Dhaka on 23 September and agreed to raise per-trip wages from Rajshahi to Dhaka: Tk1,250 to Tk1,750 for drivers, Tk500 to Tk750 for supervisors, and Tk400 to Tk700 for drivers' assistants.
The new rates were set to take effect yesterday.
However, late Thursday night, just before implementation, owners suddenly closed bus counters and suspended Dhaka-bound services.
Local and inter-district buses within the region, however, are still operating.
Rafiqul Islam Pakhi, acting general secretary of the Rajshahi district motor workers' union, told The Business Standard yesterday, "The increased wages were fixed after several rounds of talks with the owners, and suspending bus operations without any announcement just before implementation is a disgraceful act.
