Bus services halted on 16 routes as Barishal workers call strike following 'attack'

The bus workers' association in Barishal has announced an indefinite strike demanding justice for the attack on transport workers, vandalism, and arson in Rupatali, Barishal. As a result, transportation on 16 routes in the southern region has been completely disrupted. 

Workers are also preventing three-wheelers from carrying long-distance passengers, reports our correspondent.

The strike began early Wednesday (29 January), affecting routes, including Barishal-Khulna, Pirojpur, Mathbaria, Patharghata, Vandaria, Jhalakathi, Nalchity, Betagi, Barguna, Lebukhali, Bauphal, Dashmina, Patuakhali, Amtali, Kuakata, and Bhola.

Commuters are facing immense difficulties due to the transport shutdown.

Nazmunnahar, a passenger traveling to Jhalakathi from Barishal, said, "I arrived in Rupatali from Dhaka, but no buses are operating. I've been waiting for a long time, but I urgently need to reach home."

She added, "It wasn't right for students to assault workers or set buses on fire over a minor issue. A solution could have been reached through discussion instead of making the situation more complicated. At the same time, transport workers should also refrain from going on strike for every other matter. They must understand that people in the southern region heavily rely on these transport services."

Another passenger, Masud Rana, expressed frustration, saying, "We are facing unbearable hardship due to the bus strike. Blocking transportation to press demands is not a legitimate form of protest. The issue should be resolved quickly."

Yesterday (29 January) afternoon, students of Government Brojomohun College staged a protest and blockade at Rupatali Bus Terminal, alleging misconduct by transport workers toward a female student on a Jhalakathi-bound bus. A chase and counter-chase ensued between students and transport workers.

The agitated students vandalised buses and set tires on fire to block the road. They also staged a sit-in protest with an eight-point demand, including the arrest of the accused transport workers. After three and a half hours, they withdrew their protest following assurances from the administration.

Later that night, transport workers announced a strike, suspending bus services indefinitely.

What students say

Student Saidur Rahman stated, "After attacking us yesterday, the workers have now shut down bus services on all routes. They are stationed at various points, making general students feel unsafe while commuting."

Another student, Imtiazur Rahman, shared, "I had an exam today. When I reached the Barguna bus terminal early in the morning, I found that no buses were running. Even alternative vehicles are being blocked. The bus owners and workers are overreacting to yesterday's incident."

What transport owners say

Rupatali Transport Workers' Union General Secretary Abul Kalam Chowdhury, said that for the safety of transport workers and their jobs, 11 bus owners' associations and 11 transport workers' unions in Barishal division have jointly called for the strike, leading to the suspension of bus services on 16 routes.

He added, "Workers have always been beaten and have always remained silent. Yesterday, students attacked us without reason. We have no objection to providing student half-fares, but they misuse it by using their ID cards to get discounts for their family members, friends, and relatives. If this continues, how will we survive? We have families and children to support as well."

He further stated, "The way students attacked us in groups yesterday makes us fear for our lives. Even if we are beaten to death, no one will care. Out of fear, workers no longer want to drive buses."

Rupatali Bus Owners' Association General Secretary, Zia Uddin Sikder, said, "I have heard that there was a dispute over half-fare involving a female student on a bus on the Jhalakathi route. If students wanted justice, they could have approached the Jhalokathi Bus Owners' Association. Instead, they staged protests in Rupatali, vandalised buses, and set fires. In such a situation, workers are too scared to operate buses."

Speaking over the phone from Dhaka, he added, "The workers have informed me that they will not drive unless those responsible for the vandalism, arson, and unprovoked attacks on transport workers are identified and arrested. The workers feel unsafe."

He also mentioned that the bus strike is causing financial losses for the owners' association. "We are trying to convince the workers to resume services as soon as possible," he said.