2 detained by army in Barishal over bus workers’ union clash, including MP’s brother

Two individuals, including the brother of a Member of Parliament, were taken to an army camp in Barishal last night (17 February) following a clash at the Nathullabad Bus Workers' Union office.

The detainees are Mosharraf Hossain, brother of Barishal Sadar MP Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, and Arju Mridha, son of the late Rattan Mridha and a resident of the Zia Road area. Mosharraf is president of the Barishal District Bus Owners' Association, while Arju Mridha is a bus workers' leader.

According to witnesses present at the scene, Arju Mridha went to the Nathullabad Bus Workers' Union office around 8pm last night and was sitting there when Mosharraf Hossain allegedly arrived with a group of people, assaulted him and forced him out of the office. A video of the altercation later circulated on social media.

Tariq Al Imran, senior joint convener of the Barishal district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said, "There was a clash between two groups at the workers' union. Immediately after the incident, the two were picked up by army personnel. However, I do not know what led to the clash."

Several bus workers said Mosharraf Hossain became president of the owners' association after 5 August 2024. They alleged that after his brother was elected MP, Mosharraf attempted to establish control over the workers' union by installing his own associates in leadership roles.

Arju Mridha has been associated with drivers and the workers' union at Nathullabad Bus Terminal for 24 years. Last night, when he went to sit at the union office, he was allegedly assaulted and driven out by Mosharraf, according to workers.