Bus services on six routes from the Charkauwa bus terminal in Barishal Sadar Upazila were suspended on Monday morning as transport workers staged demonstrations demanding a ban on three-wheelers and battery-run auto-rickshaws.
The dispute began on Sunday between bus workers and operators of three-wheelers and battery-run auto-rickshaws.
Members of the Charkauwa Bus Owners and Workers Union demanded the removal of three-wheelers from highways, alleging that they frequently cause accidents and race against buses, posing risks to road safety.
Mamun Khondokar, president of the Bus Owners’ Association, said bus operators tried to resume services on Monday morning, but three-wheeler and auto-rickshaw drivers obstructed their movement. He called on the local administration to intervene.
The suspension has left thousands of commuters struggling to find alternative transport, with many forced to pay higher fares for motorcycles and rickshaws.
Passengers Sohrab Howlader, travelling to Nehalganj, and Amena Khatun, heading to Laharhat, said they faced excessive fares and difficulties due to the disruption.
Around 70 buses operate daily on six routes from the terminal: DC Road, Laxmipasha, Laharhat, Katadia, Holta and Siddique Bazar, serving several thousand passengers.
