Bus services suspended on 15 routes in Barishal

Bus services have been suspended on 15 routes in the south and southwest of Barishal as workers have not joined work on the pretext of security.

Bus services have been suspended since 6 am on Wednesday (January 29).

As a result, bus services from the city's Rupatali Bus Terminal to various routes in Patuakhali, Barguna, Jhalokati, Pirojpur districts and Khulna routes have been suspended in Wednesday morning.

Abdur Razzak, general secretary of Jhalokati Bus Workers Union, confirmed the suspension of bus services at 9:30 am.

He said that at different times, workers were beaten and buses were vandalized for various reasons, including problems with bus fares. As a result, the workers are suffering from insecurity. Therefore, bus services have been suspended on 15 routes in Barisal as they have not joined work.

Meanwhile, Abul Kalam Chowdhury, general secretary of the Rupatali Bus Workers Union, said that bus services are suspended not only in Rupatali but also in six districts of Barisal division.

Without giving details about the reason for the suspension, he said that there was an attack on workers on Tuesday (January 28). But some media outlets have not highlighted the issue and have spread news against the workers. This is not desirable in any way.

Other leaders of the workers union said that they have launched a movement demanding the safety of vehicles and goods, alleging that workers have been harassed at various times. The workers have announced to continue the strike until security is ensured.

Meanwhile, passengers have been suffering due to the suspension of bus services. They are taking risks to travel to their destinations in various vehicles including three-wheelers.

On Tuesday (January 28) afternoon, bus workers had a fight with students of the Government Brajmohan (BM) College over half fare. Based on this, the students blocked the Barisal-Kuakata highway.

The students alleged that the female student was assaulted by the bus helper and driver.

In this regard, a 10-member team of students went to the Barishal Rupatali Bus Owners Association and were attacked there. In response, they took up positions at the Rupatali roundabout and blocked the highway by burning tires, demanding several demands including the trial of the culprits and action against the attackers.

Meanwhile, bus workers said that the students blocked the road around 6 pm on Tuesday. Later, they vandalized a Towhid Paribahan bus and attacked the workers. One worker was seriously injured and several others were injured.