Bus services in Rajshahi came to a sudden halt on Monday morning as a faction of transport workers enforced an unannounced strike following a dispute over the leadership of Rajshahi District Motor Workers’ Union.
The service stoppage began around 8:30am, leading to the suspension of bus operations on all routes and leaving hundreds of passengers in a state of immense suffering.
According to sources, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers’ Federation announced a new 21-member committee for the Rajshahi District Motor Workers’ Union on Sunday.
In this committee, Rafiqul Islam Pakhi was named president and Mominul Islam Momin was appointed as general secretary.
A section of the workers rejected the committee, citing the absence of an election. The protesters are demanding the immediate cancellation of the announced committee and the formation of a three-month convening committee to initiate a formal election process.
The Federation’s decision to appoint the committee followed a period of unrest. On 23 April, the Shiroil area of Rajshahi witnessed violent clashes between two rival groups of transport workers over the control and dominance of the union office. During the confrontation, which involved domestic weapons, many shops near the terminal were vandalised.
The new committee was reportedly formed by the Federation based on a compromise following these events. The newly appointed president, Rafiqul said he had been informed of the bus suspension and is making efforts to ensure that transport operations return to normal.
Meanwhile, the sudden strike has caused severe disruption for commuters. Passengers expressed their frustration, noting that they are being forced to pay the price for internal union conflicts.
