Transport services along Rangpur-Dhaka highway were disrupted for nearly two hours on Monday as motor workers enforced a strike demanding elections and a general meeting of Rangpur District Motor Workers’ Union.
The protests included road blockades and burning tyres, bringing traffic to a complete halt and stranding hundreds of vehicles on both sides of the highway.
The agitating workers alleged that the union has remained under the control of an “occupying group” for the past two years, preventing any general meeting or election. They claimed that after the political transition following the 2024 mass uprising, the union’s democratic processes were suspended, allowing vested interests to dominate its activities.
According to the protesters, the situation worsened as they accused individuals operating under political influence of extortion and intimidation at the central bus terminal and surrounding areas. They demanded immediate steps to hold elections and restore normal union activities.
The protest turned violent when unidentified attackers allegedly assaulted demonstrating workers at Modern Crossing and near the central bus terminal. At least seven motor workers were injured in the attack, some of them reportedly wounded with sharp weapons.
Following the incident, angry workers intensified their demonstration by blocking Rangpur-Dhaka highway and setting fire to tyres on the road. The blockade caused severe traffic congestion, halting movement of vehicles in both directions.
Police later brought the situation under control after nearly two hours. Authorities detained two individuals in connection with the violence and assured protesters that their demands would be communicated to higher officials for further action.
Motor Workers’ Union leader Aftab Uddin alleged that the union office and bus terminal operations had been effectively seized by a group using political backing, preventing workers from exercising their rights. He said repeated demands for elections had gone unanswered.
Former acting president Asaduzzaman Babu condemned the attack on workers and reiterated demands for a transparent general meeting and fair elections within the union.
Rangpur Metropolitan Detective Branch Deputy Commissioner Sanatan Chakraborty confirmed that police intervention restored order and that investigations into the attack were ongoing.
