Sylhet transport workers call indefinite strike from tomorrow

The Sylhet District Bus, Minibus, Coach and Microbus Workers Union has called for an indefinite strike in Sylhet from tomorrow (31 December), in protest against alleged vandalism and arson of several buses in Zakiganj upazila.

Buses did not ply on the Sylhet-Zakiganj road today due to the transport workers' protest.

Zahirul Islam Munna, officer-in-charge of Zakiganj Police Station, said, "We have come to know that buses and minibuses are not plying on the Sylhet-Zakiganj road."

Meanwhile, a person named Helal Mia filed a written complaint with the police station yesterday, claiming that buses were vandalised.

"We are investigating the matter. The police are ready to ensure that no untoward incident occurs across the upazila," said OC Munna.

According to locals, a teenager named Abir Ahmed, 14, died after being hit by a bus in Zakiganj yesterday morning. After the incident, an angry mob allegedly vandalised the bus and set it on fire. Transport workers alleged that at least three other buses were also vandalised.

Abdul Muhith, general secretary of the District Bus, Minibus, Coach and Microbus Workers Union, said, "If our bus driver commits a crime, he will be punished according to the law. But vandalising and burning buses by taking the law into his own hands is a criminal act. We want justice."

Meanwhile, due to the lack of public transport on the Sylhet-Zakiganj road since morning, passengers, especially office-goers and people who went out for emergency purposes, faced extreme hardship throughout the day.

Passengers alleged that CNG-powered auto-rickshaws could not ply as the bus workers blocked the road at various places. Many said they had to go to their destinations by alternative means by paying extra fares.