Indefinite bus strike in Chuadanga causes commuter suffering

Bus and minibus services on all routes in Chuadanga district were suspended indefinitely on Saturday in protest against the alleged assault of transport workers by e-rickshaw drivers, causing widespread suffering for commuters.

The strike was jointly called by bus and minibus owners and workers.

The suspended routes include Chuadanga–Meherpur, Chuadanga–Jibannagar–Hasadah, Chuadanga–Jhenaidah, Chuadanga–Kushtia and Chuadanga–Hatboalia.

According to local and transport sources, an e-rickshaw was stopped from illegally entering Chuadanga town last Thursday. Following the incident, a group of e-rickshaw drivers reportedly blocked a bus on the Chuadanga–Meherpur highway.

The group allegedly assaulted the bus driver and supervisor and vandalised the vehicle. At one stage, the driver and supervisor were held hostage. A team from Chuadanga Sadar Police Station later rushed to the scene and rescued them.

In protest against the incident, transport owners and workers suspended bus and minibus services on all routes across the district from Saturday morning.

As a result, office-goers, students and passengers travelling to different destinations have been facing severe difficulties due to a shortage of alternative transport.

Haji Abul Kalam Azad, general secretary of the Chuadanga Inter-District Bus and Minibus Owners Group, said the driver and supervisor were injured in the alleged attack by e-rickshaw drivers and workers, while the bus was also damaged.

He said the services were suspended in protest and to demand action against those involved in the incident.

Passengers affected by the transport strike called for a swift resolution to the crisis and the immediate resumption of normal bus services.