Passengers in Rajshahi faced significant disruption as bus services were halted following a clash between bus workers and CNG drivers in Tanore upazila on Monday.
The incident left two bus drivers and their helpers injured, prompting a protest by bus workers who ceased operations, leaving buses stranded at the Shiroil Bus Terminal.
The altercation took place near Babul Nursery on Mandmala Road around 11am.
At least five bus workers were reportedly assaulted by CNG drivers.
The injured workers were identified as drivers Swapan Ali, Babar, Shaheen, and Nuruzzaman, along with conductor Zia.
Inter-district buses departing from Rajshahi were completely halted, although incoming buses continued to operate.
Passengers faced immense difficulties due to the sudden suspension of bus services.
Shakil Hossain, who had planned to travel to Dhaka, shared his frustration: "I bought my ticket in advance, but on arrival, I found the buses were not running. No prior information was provided."
Another passenger, Ramiz, expressed disappointment as his friend's bus to Dhaka was cancelled.
He said: "The counter staff informed us that bus services might resume soon, but there’s no certainty."
By afternoon, bus workers armed with sticks gathered near Shiroil Bus Terminal and threatened to march toward the CNG stand at Railgate in the city. Despite appeals from Rajshahi labour leader Helal Uddin to avoid escalation, a group of workers moved toward the CNG stand with the intent to vandalize.
Police and army personnel intervened to diffuse the situation. However, by 3:30pm, bus services remained suspended, prolonging passenger hardship.
The clash reflects an ongoing dispute between bus workers and CNG drivers over passenger transport rights on the Pabar Bagdhani route.
Suman Chowdhury, president of the Tanore CNG Owners' Association, claimed: "Bus workers don’t want us operating our CNGs in certain areas. We’ve reported these problems to the authorities, but the issue remains unresolved."
Chowdhury added that tensions escalated after a CNG driver was allegedly assaulted by bus workers on Sunday.
Rafiqul Islam Pakhi, acting general secretary of Rajshahi Motor Workers Union, defended the bus workers: "Five or six of our workers were injured by CNG drivers in Tanore. Despite complaints, the police have not arrested anyone. This inaction has angered our workers, leading to the bus service shutdown."
Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Tanore police station, acknowledged the long-standing tension between bus workers and CNG drivers, adding: "This issue has persisted due to clashes over operational zones. We are working to resolve it."
Regarding claims of delays in filing a case, the OC said: "We’ve received a complaint and are in the process of recording it. Legal action will follow."