Barishal Bus Terminal Clashes: Workers Strike Over Vandalism

The strike, which began at 8 pm on Tuesday, has resulted in the suspension of bus services on 19 routes across five southern districts, causing significant disruption for passengers.

Barishal Traffic Department Inspector Bidyut Chandra Dey confirmed that bus operations from the terminal had been halted, with both police and military personnel deployed to restore order.

Anwar Hossain, general secretary of the Barisal Divisional Bus Owners Group, expressed condemnation over the incident, noting that conflicts could have been resolved through dialogue. "Instead, the terminal was attacked unexpectedly," he said, adding that services would remain suspended until a full investigation is conducted.

The workers are demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack, along with guarantees for the safety of bus owners and workers. According to reports, ten people from two groups were injured during the altercation.

The incident began earlier in the afternoon when a BM College student attempted to pay half fare on a bus traveling from Barishal to Jhalakathi. When the bus helper refused, an argument broke out. In response, a group of BM College students gathered at the terminal to protest. Tensions quickly escalated into clashes, with students allegedly vandalizing the bus workers' union office, damaging five buses, and injuring seven workers.