Bus services across all internal routes in Naogaon remained shut for the second day due to an indefinite strike by transport workers.
The strike has halted bus operations on key regional routes connecting Naogaon with Rajshahi, Joypurhat, Bogura, and Chapainawabganj, causing widespread suffering to general passengers.
The conflict began around 11am on Saturday when an altercation broke out between bus workers and CNG-powered auto-rickshaw drivers over picking up passengers at Baludanga bus stand.
Following the argument, auto-rickshaw drivers launched a sudden attack at Nazipur bus stand in Patnitala upazila, severely beating bus driver Rubel Hossain and a supervisor.
Rubel sustained critical injuries and was initially admitted to Patnitala Upazila Health Complex. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Naogaon 250-bed General Hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.
In response, transport workers enforced the strike from Sunday morning, demanding punishment for the attackers and an immediate halt to unauthorised auto-rickshaws operating on regional highways.
Highway regulations and demands
According to bus owners and worker leaders, existing rules restrict auto-rickshaws and CNG-powered auto-rickshaws from carrying long-distance passengers outside town limits between 8am and 4pm.
However, transport leaders alleged that these illegal vehicles continue to run freely on regional highways in violation of the rules, resulting in frequent road accidents and clashes with bus workers.
The workers warned that they will launch tougher agitational programmes if three-wheeler movement on highways is not brought to a complete stop.
Passengers facing misery and extortion
With bus operations suspended, commuters have been forced to rely on alternative vehicles, incurring higher fares and losing valuable time.
Saidul Islam, a passenger travelling from Rajshahi to Naogaon, said he had to travel via Ferighat using a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw before taking another auto-rickshaw to town.
“Earlier, the fare from Rajshahi was Tk180 to Tk190, but today it cost nearly Tk250,” he said, adding that alternative drivers were taking advantage of the bus stoppage to overcharge passengers while causing severe delays.
Another passenger, Aslam Hossain, who came from Sapahar to attend a court hearing in Naogaon town, arrived at the bus stand only to find no buses running.
He was forced to make the journey in three separate legs using alternative transport, losing nearly two hours.
Similarly, Rubel Dewan, a travelling hawker bound for Rajshahi, found himself stranded in Naogaon.
“I travel from town to town for my hawking business. I arrived in Naogaon from Parbatipur and found that all buses and CNGs have stopped running. I do not know how I will reach Rajshahi now. People always have to pay the price for disputes between bus workers and auto-rickshaw drivers,” he said.
Owners and police stance
Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury, general secretary of Naogaon District Bus Owners Group, said several rounds of discussions with CNG auto-rickshaw owners failed to yield a resolution.
A written complaint has been lodged at the police station. “The bus strike and work abstention will continue until the accused perpetrators are arrested,” he declared.
Mohammad Monirul Islam, additional superintendent of police (finance and administration), naogaon, confirmed that police have held multiple meetings with bus owners since Sunday.
“They have submitted a complaint at Sadar Police Station, and legal action is underway,” he said.
He added that another meeting has been scheduled at the district commissioner’s office on Monday, expressing optimism that bus services will resume soon.
