Long-route bus services from Rajshahi have been suspended since Tuesday due to an internal dispute among transport owners, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and facing severe hardship.
The abrupt suspension, enforced without prior notice, has disrupted travel plans for many, particularly those bound for Dhaka. However, services on short-distance routes, including Rajshahi–Naogaon and Rajshahi–Chapainawabganj, remain operational.
Passengers voiced frustration over the lack of communication and uncertainty. Shafiqul Azim, who had planned to travel to Dhaka, said he was forced to return home with his family after failing to find any available buses.
“It is very difficult managing with young children. No one can say when services will resume,” he said.
Another passenger, Shafiqul Islam, said he arrived at the terminal early in the morning only to discover that operations had been halted.
Shiuli Begum, also waiting to travel to Dhaka, said she had been standing at the terminal for hours with her children. “No one is giving clear information. Passengers should not have to suffer like this,” she said.
Transport leaders said the disruption stems from a dispute between bus owners in Rajshahi and neighboring Natore.
Nazrul Islam Helal, general secretary of the Rajshahi Road Transport Group, said a resolution is being sought through discussions. “A meeting has been scheduled at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. We hope the issue will be resolved soon,” he said.
In response, the administration has moved to defuse the crisis. An emergency joint meeting is set to be held at the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner’s office at 2pm on Wednesday, involving leaders of both Rajshahi and Natore transport owners’ and workers’ associations, as well as officials from both districts.
Authorities are optimistic that the meeting will help resolve the dispute and allow long-distance bus services from Rajshahi to resume shortly.
