Workers halt Jamalpur-Dhaka buses, demand safety after attack on drivers

Bus services between Jamalpur and Dhaka have been suspended over safety concerns for drivers and transport workers following attacks on buses after a fatal crash.

The Jamalpur Bus-Minibus Workers’ Union announced the suspension at a press conference at the inter-district bus terminal on Wednesday night, with no buses leaving for Dhaka from Thursday morning, Joint Convenor Harunur Rashid said.

Buses at the municipal terminal were seen standing idle without taking passengers, leaving many travellers stranded.

Services on local routes remain normal.

The union said four people died on Aug 31 after a Rajib Paribahan bus collided with an autorickshaw in Sadar Upazila’s Laherikanda.

The following morning, a group stopped and vandalised two Rajib Paribahan buses at Nandina Bazar, assaulting the drivers and their assistants and taking cash from them, Rashid said.

The union suspended services over what it described as growing fear and anger among workers.

It also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the attacks, vandalism and assaults.