Rajshahi Correspondent

More than 80 incidents of CNG vandalism have taken place at the railway gate of the metropolis due to the attack between CNG drivers and bus workers in Tanor Upazila of Rajshahi.

The CNG drivers alleged that the attack was carried out with pistols and other weapons under the leadership of Rajshahi Bus Workers Union Acting General Secretary Rafiqul Islam Pakhi at around 10 am on Tuesday.

CNG driver Abdus Salam, who was injured in the attack, said that he was waiting for passengers with CNG as usual. Suddenly, around half a hundred members of the bus workers started attacking with pistols, rods and hammers. About 80 CNGs were vandalized. More than 40 CNG drivers were injured. CNG driver Hasibul Islam said, suddenly 50-60 bus workers surrounded us from all sides and started breaking the CNG. My CNG was also attacked and glass was broken. This time they had sticks, iron rods, hammers in their hands. This driver said that a pistol was also seen in one's hand. They continued this vandalism for about half an hour. About 80 CNGs have been damaged.

They attacked in a planned way. They have nothing to do with yesterday's Tanor incident. We demand compensation for this incident and to identify those involved in the attack and bring them to justice. It was announced that buses will not be allowed to ply on any route until their demands are met. CNG Owners Association co-editor Sirajul Islam said, more than 80 of our CNG bus workers attacked and vandalized.

About 40 drivers were injured and are being treated in hospital. We demand compensation for the loss. Also, legal action should be taken after thorough investigation. We will not allow buses to operate on any route as a peaceful program. Incidentally, on Monday (December 15) afternoon, five bus workers were injured in an attack by CNG auto rickshaw workers in Tanore of Rajshahi.

After this incident, the workers stopped all bus routes. Around 1 pm on Monday, the workers took to the streets in the Shiroil Bus Terminal area of the city with sticks in hand. They block the road by placing buses randomly on the road. On being informed, police and army came to pacify them and leave the road. Those efforts are being made to identify the attackers by looking at the CCTV footage. Legal action will be taken against the culprits, said Boalia Model Police Station OC Mehdi Masud.