Bus services on 16 routes from Barisal have been suspended as transport workers went on strike, demanding safety following repeated incidents of assault by students.
The disruption has severed road connectivity between Barisal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Barguna, causing immense suffering for passengers.
Several transport workers, including Rafiq and Shah Alam, said: “Attacks on us by students are increasing. Even in minor disputes, they beat up bus helpers, supervisors, and drivers. We have called this strike to protect our lives.”
They warned that they would not resume operations unless the government ensured their safety and security.
At the Rupatali bus stand, several drivers voiced similar concerns.
“We all have families. If something happens to us, who will take care of them? We need a permanent solution for our safety. Otherwise, we won’t drive. If necessary, bus owners can run the services on their own,” said one of the workers.
The suspension of services has left passengers stranded and facing increased travel costs.
Nadir Ahmed, a traveller trying to reach Khulna, said: “I struggled to get from Patuakhali to Barisal’s Rupatali bus stand, only to find no buses operating. Now, I will have to pay significantly more and endure additional hardship to reach my destination.”
Other passengers echoed his frustration, saying they were now forced to pay three to four times the usual fare. They urged authorities to resolve the crisis immediately.
According to Abul Kalam Chowdhury, secretary of the Rupatali Bus-Minibus-Microbus Workers Union: “The safety of transport workers must be ensured. If the government fails to do so, we will call for a nationwide movement.”
The situation escalated on Tuesday afternoon when students and workers clashed over bus fares, leading to blockades on the Barisal-Dhaka-Kuakata and Barisal-Pirojpur-Khulna highways.
Although students withdrew their protests after their demands were met around 9pm, workers continued their strike over safety concerns.
