Bus services across Naogaon were suspended again on Wednesday morning, a day after an earlier strike was called off.
Transport workers stopped all internal and long-distance services from 7am at Baludanga bus stand, protesting the assault of a bus driver by CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers in Badalgachhi on Tuesday.
The renewed strike has disrupted services between Naogaon and Rajshahi, Joypurhat, Bogura and Chapainawabganj, as well as routes connecting the district’s upazilas.
The dispute began on 26 September over passenger boarding at Baludanga bus stand. An altercation between CNG-driven auto-rickshaw drivers and bus workers later turned into a clash.
CNG drivers attacked workers at Nazipur bus stand in Patnitala upazila, assaulting bus driver Rubel Hossain and a supervisor. Rubel was later transferred to Naogaon 250-bed General Hospital after his condition deteriorated.
Transport workers began a strike on Sunday, demanding an end to illegal auto-rickshaw operations on highways. Bus services resumed on Tuesday morning following talks between transport leaders and local administration officials, but another bus driver was assaulted at Badalgachhi later that day, prompting the renewed strike.
Transport leaders alleged that CNG-run auto-rickshaws continue to operate on regional highways in violation of regulations that prohibit them from carrying passengers on long-distance routes outside towns between 8am and 4pm. They warned of tougher agitation if three-wheelers are not stopped from operating on regional highways.
The suspension has forced commuters to use alternative transport, increasing travel time and fares.
Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury, general secretary of the Naogaon District Bus Owners’ Association, said workers lacked confidence because the decisions reached during earlier discussions had not been provided in writing. He said services could return to normal if written assurances were given.
Naogaon Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tarikul Islam said assurances had already been given and discussions were continuing to restore bus services. He expressed hope that bus movement would normalise soon.
