25 Injured in Clash Between Bus and CNG Drivers in Bhola

The confrontation, which began around 7:30 pm, quickly escalated into brickbatting and arson, leaving two buses and five CNGs burned. Another bus was also vandalized during the hour-long chaos.

Bhola District Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shariful Haque, who visited the scene, stated the clash was sparked by a dispute between bus terminal workers and CNG drivers. “Several vehicles were set on fire and people were injured. The situation is now under control, and legal action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.

Law enforcement and fire service personnel brought the situation under control after about an hour. The injured were taken to Bhola's 250-bed hospital, with some in critical condition.

In response, the Bhola District Bus Owners' Association suspended all internal bus services in protest. Organizing Secretary Md Kader Kibria Ripon claimed CNG drivers initiated the violence, injuring at least five workers and causing damages worth crores of taka.

However, CNG Owners' Association Organizing Secretary Hasan Mahmud disputed this, accusing bus workers of vandalizing their own vehicles and setting the CNGs on fire. “Eight of our vehicles were burned, and eight drivers were seriously injured. Some were sent to Barishal for treatment,” he said.

Witnesses suggested the clash started over the eviction of unauthorized vehicles and structures from the terminal. Despite the fire service's proximity, delays occurred due to crowd interference and stone-throwing.

Fire Service Inspector Faruk Hossain Howlader confirmed the delay, stating, “We were unable to begin our work on time due to interference. Once law enforcement arrived, we managed to extinguish the flames in two buses and five CNGs.”