Bus services resume in Naogaon after 48-hour strike

Bus services on all internal routes in Naogaon resumed Monday night (September 28) after remaining suspended for nearly 48 hours over the alleged assault of a bus driver and supervisor.

Services resumed around 10:30pm following several rounds of talks between police and transport workers’ leaders, with the workers calling off their strike after receiving assurances from the police.

The dispute began Saturday morning at Baludanga bus stand in Naogaon town when bus workers and CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers got into an argument and scuffle over passenger boarding. Later, bus driver Rubel Hossain and a supervisor were allegedly attacked by auto-rickshaw drivers at Nazipur bus stand in Patnitala.

Rubel, who sustained serious injuries, was initially taken to Patnitala Upazila Health Complex and later shifted to Naogaon 250-bed General Hospital after his condition deteriorated. He is currently undergoing treatment there.

Bus workers began an indefinite strike Sunday morning, demanding justice for their colleagues and action against what they described as illegal operation of auto-rickshaws on highways.

The shutdown disrupted bus services across the district for two days, leaving passengers stranded and causing widespread inconvenience.

Police held several rounds of discussions with labour leaders throughout Monday to resolve the standoff.

Naogaon Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam said a complaint had been filed with Naogaon Sadar Police Station over the assault on the bus driver and that legal proceedings were underway.

“After several rounds of discussions on Monday, the transport workers resumed services following assurances from the police,” he said.