Bus services resume on Dhaka-Mymensingh route after 9-hour suspension

A committee has been formed to investigate the attack on Maskanda bus counter earlier in the day

Bus services between Dhaka and Mymensingh have resumed after a suspension of nine hours in protest against vandalism and looting at the Maskanda bus counter.

The services began running again after 10pm on Tuesday following discussions between the district administration and leaders of the Bus Truck Owners Association and Workers’ Union, said Mymensingh District Motor Owners’ Association President Almagir Mahmud Alam.

A four-strong investigation committee has also been formed to look into the incident.

After the meeting, services on the Dhaka-Mymensingh route, as well as from Mymensingh to Sherpur, Netrakona, Haluaghat, Dhobaura, Purbadhala and Kishoreganj, resumed.

The suspension followed an attack around 1pm, when about 150 men carrying sharp weapons arrived on motorcycles and vandalised the Dhaka bus stand counter, targeting the United Bus Service.

They looted money from the counter, forcing services to shut down and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Many ticket-holders expressed frustration after being unable to travel despite booking in advance.

Passenger Mojibur Rahman said: “I had booked my ticket earlier. When I reached the terminal, I saw the counters had been vandalised and services suspended.

“I need to go to Dhaka to catch a launch to Barishal, but now I am completely stuck.”

A staff member at the Maskanda counter, requesting anonymity, claimed the attackers damaged both the counter and its interior, while also looting cash stored there.

Witnesses said the attackers shouted slogans against Awami League leader Shamim, declaring that no bus linked to him would be allowed to operate.

Kotwali Model Police Station chief Md Shibirul Islam said unidentified attackers vandalised the counter over allegations that those who had controlled the bus stand before Aug 5, 2024 were still in charge.