Jamalpur-Dhaka bus services halted over workers’ safety

Bus services on the Jamalpur-Dhaka route remained suspended on Thursday after transport workers called a work stoppage demanding greater security on highways, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and forcing many to return from the inter-district bus terminal.

The disruption began in the morning after the Jamalpur Bus-Minibus Workers’ Union announced the work stoppage on Wednesday night. 

Many passengers arrived at the Jamalpur inter-district bus terminal in the morning only to find no buses operating. Some were looking for alternative modes of transport, while others were forced to cancel their trips.

“I left home early in the morning to go to Dhaka for urgent work. But after arriving at the terminal, I learned that buses would not operate today. I have no idea how I will get there,” said passenger Md Rafiqul Islam. 

“We received no advance notice. If we had been informed earlier, I could have made alternative arrangements.”

Passengers waiting at the terminal complained that while transport owners and workers may have their own grievances, ordinary people are being forced to bear the consequences. 

Patients, students and working people were among those facing the greatest difficulties.

The work stoppage follows an attack on two Rajib Paribahan buses at Nandina Bazar in Sadar upazila on Wednesday morning. The buses were vandalised and their drivers and assistants were reportedly assaulted.

Protesting the incident, the Jamalpur Bus-Minibus Workers’ Union announced the work stoppage at a press conference on Wednesday night.

Harunur Rashid, joint convener of the Jamalpur Bus-Minibus Workers’ Union, said two Rajib Paribahan buses-one bound for Jamalpur and another for Dhaka-were vandalised in the incident.