Commuters in Sunamganj were seen scrambling for public transport as workers went on a 36-hour strike early on Friday to press home their four demands.
No buses or mini buses were seen on the Sylhet-Sunamganj road from 6am.
However, small vehicles including cars, microbuses and easy bikes were seen plying the road.
Passengers were paying double the usual fares to go to their desired locations, while many were forced to walk.
Sunamganj transport owners and workers called the strike demanding the cancellation of toll collection on the Lamakaji bridge, ban on battery-powered autorickshaws and unregistered CNG-powered autorickshaws, closure of BRTC bus services, and renovation and modernization of Sunamganj bus terminal.
Sunamganj Bus Owners Association General Secretary Jewel Miah said there would be no buses on Sunamganj-Sylhet and Jagannathpur-Chhatak routes.
The BNP will hold its mass rally on Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet on Saturday, and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's adviser Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the strike had been called to thwart the gathering.
“No conspiracy can hinder our rally. Whatever the obstacle, the rally will be successful and the gathering will be historic,” he said.
