Barishal Bureau

After a dispute with students of Barishal BM College over half fare, workers at Rupatli Bus Terminal have called for a strike demanding safety. This has halted bus services on 15 routes in the south and southwest. As a result, passengers have been facing extreme hardship. Workers at Rupatli Bus Terminal started the strike from 6 am on Wednesday

The workers alleged that students vandalized their Rupatli Workers Union office and several buses on Tuesday afternoon (January 28) over half fare, creating a dispute. They have launched a protest demanding the safety of their vehicles and goods, alleging that the workers were being harassed at various times. The workers announced that they would continue the strike until security is ensured.

The routes in the southwestern region where the strike began are: Barisal-Khulna, Pirojpur, Mathbaria, Patharghata, Bhandaria, Jhalakati, Nalchiti, Betagi, Barguna, Lebukhali, Baufal, Dashmina, Patuakhali, Amtali and Kuakata.

Barisal labor leaders said that 8 owner associations of these routes have supported the workers' call for a strike. The workers announced the strike at around 12:15 am last Tuesday.

Earlier in the afternoon, a student of the political science department of BM College was accused of misbehaving with the student when she asked a bus helper on the Barisal-Jhalakati road to take half the fare.

Upon receiving the news, BM College students went to the terminal and protested. Several chases and counter-chase incidents took place during this time. The students allegedly vandalized the bus workers' union office, buses, and attacked workers.

On the other hand, the students said that three students were injured in the attack by the workers.