The Bhola District Bus Workers’ Union has called an indefinite strike on five internal bus routes in Bhola, alleging that CNG auto-rickshaw drivers attacked bus workers and vandalised vehicles in Char Fashion upazila.
The strike began at around 1:00 pm on Monday (March 9), causing severe disruption for commuters.
Bus workers said the incident occurred around 12:30 pm in Char Fashion upazila, where CNG drivers allegedly attacked several bus workers and vandalised a bus and a ticket counter.
At the Bir Shrestha Mostafa Kamal bus terminal in Bhola town, bus workers halted bus services and placed tree trunks on the Bhola–Char Fashion regional highway, blocking traffic for about 20 minutes.
Police later removed the obstacles and restored the movement of other vehicles. However, bus services on the affected routes remain suspended.
Bus workers were also seen stopping CNG auto-rickshaws on the road and bringing them inside the bus terminal.
Md Mizanur Rahman, president of the Bhola Bus Workers’ Union, said CNG drivers had recently set up a stand in Char Fashion town and were picking up passengers.
“Today at noon, CNG drivers suddenly attacked our workers and vandalised a bus and a counter. In protest and demanding justice, we have stopped bus services on five routes for an indefinite period,” he said.
No statement was immediately available from the CNG Drivers and Owners Association regarding the allegations.
Bhola Traffic Inspector Abdul Gani said police went to the scene after receiving information.
“We removed the trees blocking the Bhola–Char Fashion regional highway and restored the movement of other vehicles. However, bus services are still suspended. Discussions are ongoing with both sides to resolve the issue,” he said.
