Direct bus services on the Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route have been suspended since Thursday night following a dispute over extortion.
The suspension has caused significant suffering for passengers in Chapainawabganj. Despite the disruption, Dhaka-bound buses continue to operate through an alternative arrangement from the Baliaghata area in Godagari upazila, Rajshahi, situated at the district border.
Following the halt of bus services, transport workers have issued a warning to suspend all types of transport from the evening.
According to workers, the situation stems from a long-standing conflict between the District Truck, Tank-Lorry and Covered Van Workers’ Union and the District Motor Workers’ Union, both of whom are reportedly collecting money from buses.
The Truck Workers’ Union pointed out that no party has the right to collect money on the roads outside the terminal.
In contrast, the Motor Workers’ Union claims they are adhering to regulations by only collecting money from buses, further alleging that the opposing group is the one engaged in illegal collection.
