Barisal bus services halted as workers go on strike

District Correspondent Barishal
Published: 29 January 2025, 02:30 PM | Updated: 29 January 2025, 02:31 PM
Barisal bus services halted as workers go on strike

Following a fare dispute with students of Government Brojomohun College (BM), workers at Rupatli Bus Terminal in Barisal have called for a strike demanding security. The strike, which began at 6:00 am on Wednesday, has led to a suspension of bus services across the Barisal division, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.

Sources say many passengers who arrived at the terminal found no buses and were forced to return. Passengers traveling to routes such as Mathbaria, Barguna, and Kuakata from Barisal expressed frustration, saying, "We came to the Rupatli Bus Terminal to travel with our families. But upon arrival, we learnt that bus services had been suspended due to a conflict between students and workers. We are now being forced to hire Mahindra or CNG auto-rickshaws at an additional cost to reach our destinations."

Earlier on Tuesday, a female student from BM College had an argument with a bus staff member over the issue of half fare. In response, fellow students gathered at the Rupatli bus terminal that evening and vandalised two buses, leading to a clash with the bus workers. Student leaders from the Anti-Discrimination Movement and students from several other colleges then joined in, blocking the road and setting fire to it. They demanded disciplinary action against the bus staff and raised eight additional demands.

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Meanwhile, workers claimed that students had initiated the conflict over the half fare issue and damaged the Rupatli Workers Union office and several buses. They also raised concerns about being mistreated by students on multiple occasions. Citing safety issues for both vehicles and staff, the workers declared that they would continue the strike until security was ensured.

In solidarity with the workers, eight owner associations from southern routes have also expressed support for the strike, according to local labor leaders in Barisal.

The routes affected by the strike include Barisal-Khulna, Pirojpur, Mathbaria, Pathorghata, Bhandaria, Jhalkathi, Nalchiti, Betagi, Barguna, Lebukhali, Baufal, Dashmina, Patuakhali, Amtali, and Kuakata.

Regarding the situation, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotwali Model Police Station, Mizanur Rahman, stated that efforts are being made to resolve the issue through dialogue with both the students and the workers.