Hanif Paribahan authorities have paid Tk30,000 in compensation to a Chittagong University (CU) student and seven of his friends after they were allegedly assaulted by bus staff during a journey from Cox’s Bazar to Chattogram.
The settlement was reached after the victims filed a police complaint regarding the incident, which occurred on Saturday.
According to the victims, the dispute began when the bus driver and helper started picking up local passengers near the new bridge area. Altercation escalated over the vehicle’s slow speed and the resulting delay in reaching their destination.
They alleged that the driver, helper, and several other staff members physically assaulted them in the Bakalia area before dropping them off at the Bahaddarhat bus terminal in Chandgaon at approximately 3:30pm.
The victims included Kefaet Ullah, a student of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) for the 2020-21 session and seven of his batchmates.
Kefaet clarified that while all eight were friends, he was the only student from Chittagong University. He identified his friends as Johan, Swapnil, Salman, Rakib, and two individuals named Mahin.
Following the assault, Kefaet contacted a senior CU student, Abir Bin Jabed, for help. Abir arrived at the scene and, with the support of the police, assisted the victims in filing a General Diary (GD) at Chandgaon police station.
Abir Bin Jabed said representatives from bus owners’ association later met with the students, expressed regret, and apologised for the incident.
“The bus staff involved in the assault have been temporarily suspended from their jobs, and the victims were provided with appropriate compensation for their financial and physical damages,” he added.
Kefaet Ullah confirmed the settlement, noting that the transport owners had repeatedly requested a meeting to resolve the matter through a compromise.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chandgaon Police Station Jasim Uddin, confirmed that a GD had been filed and stated that the police would take further legal action as necessary.
