Clashes at Barishal bus terminal: Workers call for strike over vandalism and attack

Transport workers at the Barishal Rupatli Bus Terminal have called for an indefinite strike in protest of an attack and vandalism reportedly by students of Government Brojomohun, Barishal (BM) College over a dispute concerning the half-fare payment.

The strike, which began at 8pm on Tuesday (28 January), has led to the suspension of bus services on 19 routes across five southern districts, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.

Barishal Traffic Department Inspector Bidyut Chandra Dey said that bus operations from the Rupatli Bus Terminal had been suspended and that both police and military personnel were present at the scene to restore order.

Anwar Hossain, general secretary of the Barisal Divisional Bus Owners Group, condemned the incident, saying that conflicts could have been resolved through meetings, but instead, the terminal was unexpectedly attacked.

He added that bus services would not resume until the matter was properly investigated.

The workers have demanded the arrest of those responsible for the attack, as well as assurances regarding the safety of bus owners and workers.

According to the workers, ten individuals from two groups sustained injuries during the incident.

The incident unfolded earlier in the afternoon when a student from the BM College requested to pay half fare on a bus travelling from Barishal to Jhalakathi. The bus helper reportedly refused, sparking an argument.

In response, BM College students gathered at the bus terminal to protest. Tensions escalated into clashes, with students allegedly vandalising the bus workers' union office, damaging five buses and injuring seven workers.