Worker-student clash over half-fare in Barishal leaves over 60 injured
Workers claimed that several buses were vandalised in the violence
A violent clash erupted at Barishal Central Nothullabad Bus Terminal between students and transport workers over student half-fare, leaving at least 60 people from both sides injured.
Workers claimed that several buses were vandalised in the violence.
The confrontation began around 7pm at the bus terminal and continued for nearly two hours, with both groups chasing each other through the terminal area.
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Barishal Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamun Ul Islam said, "There was a confrontation between workers and students. Police and other law enforcement agencies brought the situation under control around 9pm. Further details will be available later."
According to students, the trouble started when a student travelling from Muladi to Barishal city was physically assaulted after insisting on paying half fare. In protest, students gathered at the Nathullabad terminal, leading to a violent confrontation with bus workers.
"Half fare is our right," said Sabbir Hossain, a student of BM College.
"When one of our classmates tried to pay half fare, the bus workers assaulted him. We came to the terminal to demand justice, but the workers attacked us. Around 20–25 students were injured."
Bus workers, however, denied the allegation and accused the students of triggering the violence.
Transport worker leader Arju Mridha said, "Even though the college was closed today, a student got into a dispute with a worker over half fare. In the evening, several hundred BM College students came to the terminal and vandalised more than 50 buses. They also beat 15–20 workers, leaving many seriously injured."
