Transport workers on the Jamalpur–Dhaka route have suspended bus services and launched a strike, demanding safety on the highways.
Bus services were halted from Wednesday afternoon, causing severe difficulties for passengers, many of whom were forced to travel in stages using smaller local vehicles. Union leaders formally announced the work abstention at a press conference Wednesday night.
Harunur Rashid, joint convenor of the Jamalpur Bus‑Minibus Workers’ Union, said workers became concerned after two buses — one Jamalpur‑bound and the other Dhaka‑bound — were attacked Wednesday morning.
“Bus operations on the Jamalpur–Dhaka route will remain suspended until the safety of the workers is guaranteed,” Rashid said.
He also demanded arrest and legal action against those involved in the attacks, vandalism and assault on workers.
Passengers stranded at the terminal expressed frustration. Shahnaz, a Dhaka‑bound passenger, said she would have to travel to Dhanbari or Madhupur in Tangail using local vehicles before taking a bus to Dhaka.
Another passenger, Rifat, said they now had to travel in phases to Mymensingh before trying to find a bus to Dhaka.
Local authorities said they were working to resolve the deadlock.
Yahya Al Mamun, additional superintendent of police (Crime and Ops) of Jamalpur, said police, local representatives and the district administration were in talks with transport leaders to ease passengers’ suffering and normalise services.
“We hope this issue will be resolved very shortly,” he said.
