Transport workers clash in Sylhet, 10 injured

At least 10 people have been injured in a clash between two groups of transport workers at Kadamtoli bus terminal area in Sylhet city on Tuesday.

The clash reportedly sparked due to a dispute over workers' welfare funds. Several vehicles were vandalised during the clash.

A section of workers had been protesting for the last few days against Selim Ahmed Folik, vice president of Bangladesh road transport workers' federation and president of Sylhet road transport workers' union, accusing him of embezzling Tk2 crore from the workers' welfare funds.

On Tuesday morning, a few protesting workers reached Kadamtoli bus terminal and threw brickbats at Folik's office, which resulted in a clash between the two groups.

The protesting workers alleged that Folik's son opened fires at the workers from his office and the workers threw brickbats afterwards in retaliation.

However, none of the injured during the clash could be identified immediately.

Transport owners' unity leaders and police officials rushed to the spot upon hearing the news of the clash.

Officer-in-Charge of Surma police station Khairul Fazal said, "Police officials have reached the spot and controlled the situation. But agitated workers are still present at the spot."

"We are trying to mitigate the problem and send them back. Nothing can be said about the casualties right now."

Speaking about the gunshots, Khairul said, "I have also received such complaints from the workers and the matter will be investigated."

No comments from Selim Ahmed Folik could be received regarding the matter as he was unreachable over the phone.