Buses torched in Jhenaidah after youth’s death; transport workers block road in protest

Transport workers blocked a major highway in Jhenaidah on Sunday morning in protest after three buses were set on fire by angry students following the death of a young man allegedly beaten by employees of a petrol pump.

The blockade began around 8:30am at the central bus terminal in the town. Workers parked the burnt buses on the road, bringing traffic on the Jhenaidah–Magura highway to a halt.

The obstruction caused long traffic congestion on both sides of the road, leaving many passengers stranded and causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

The blockade was lifted about two hours later after law enforcement authorities assured the workers that those responsible for setting the buses on fire would be arrested.

Read More

No decorative illuminations on Independence Day: Home Minister

The unrest followed an incident on Saturday night when a young man, identified as Fardin Ahmed Nirob, died after reportedly being beaten by employees of Taj Filling Station near the bus terminal during a dispute over purchasing petrol.

Following the incident, members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement vandalised a petrol pump in the Arappur area of the town. Later, around 1:00am, three buses at the central bus terminal were set ablaze.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Mahfuz Hossain said police were working to identify those involved in the arson.

“Those who set fire to the buses at the terminal will be identified and brought under the law,” he said, adding that the workers withdrew the blockade after receiving assurances from the authorities.