Naogaon bus strike continues for second day
Bus workers in Naogaon continued their indefinite strike for the second consecutive day on Monday, halting services on all internal routes in the district to protest an alleged assault on a bus driver and a supervisor.
The strike began at 7:00am on Sunday, suspending services from Baludanga Bus Stand in Naogaon town to Rajshahi, Joypurhat, Bogura and Chapainawabganj, among other routes, reports UNB.
Earlier, a scuffle broke out between CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers and bus workers at Baludanga Bus Stand around 11:00am on Saturday reportedly over picking up passengers.
Later, CNG drivers allegedly attacked bus driver Rubel Hossain and a supervisor at Nazipur Bus Stand in Patnitala upazila.
Rubel was taken to Naogaon Sadar Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
Bus workers started the strike demanding justice for the incident and an end to the illegal operation of three-wheelers on highways.
Bus owners and workers said that under existing regulations, auto-rickshaws and CNG-run auto-rickshaws are not allowed to carry passengers on long-distance routes outside towns between 8:00am and 4:00pm.
They alleged that the unrestricted movement of such vehicles on regional highways in violation of the rules often leads to accidents and clashes with transport workers.
The agitated workers warned of tougher action if the operation of three-wheelers on highways is not stopped.
The bus strike has caused significant hardship for passengers travelling to different destinations.
Meanwhile, passengers have been forced to rely on alternative modes of transport, resulting in higher fares and longer journeys.
Shafiqul Islam, a passenger from Niamatpur who came to Naogaon to attend a court hearing, said he found no buses operating after arriving at the bus stand.
“I had to change vehicles three times to reach Naogaon town, which took nearly two hours,” he said.
Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury, general secretary of the Naogaon District Bus Owners’ Group, said several rounds of talks have been held with CNG owners over the issue but no solution had been reached.
He said a written complaint had been lodged with the police and that the strike would continue until those responsible for the assault were arrested.
Mohammad Monirul Islam, additional superintendent of police in Naogaon, said several rounds of discussions have been held with bus owners since Sunday.
