Rajshahi, Oct 01 (V7N) - Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj remain cut off from Dhaka as intercity bus services from northern Bangladesh fail to resume despite a recent agreement between bus owners and workers. Passengers face mounting difficulties as buses remain halted due to unresolved demands.
 
Bus services from Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj to Dhaka have been disrupted for the fifth consecutive day despite a tentative agreement reached in Dhaka between bus owners and labor representatives. Workers have blocked buses from departing, citing unmet demands, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
 
On Tuesday morning, some bus counters at Shiroil in Rajshahi city were open, and two buses initially departed for Dhaka. However, when another bus prepared to leave around 8:00 AM, workers intervened, removed passengers from the vehicles, and canceled their tickets. This caused significant inconvenience for travelers unable to reach their destinations. Subsequently, other bus counters at the Dhaka terminal were closed by the owners.
 
The disruption follows overnight protests, where workers staged a demonstration from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Monday at the Shiroil Dhaka bus terminal, covering their heads with shrouds in protest.
 
Bus owners estimate that four to six thousand passengers are affected daily, resulting in losses of approximately Tk 24 lakh per day. The situation prompted a meeting on Monday at Gabtoli in Dhaka, involving the Dhaka Bus and Truck Owners’ Association, labor representatives from the three northern districts, and other stakeholders.
 
During the meeting, owners agreed to increase wages: on the Dhaka–Chapainawabganj–Rajshahi route, drivers will receive Tk 1,750 per trip, supervisors Tk 750, and helpers Tk 650. On the Dhaka–Kansat route, drivers will earn Tk 1,095, supervisors Tk 800, and helpers Tk 700 per trip. Additionally, the daily food allowance was raised from Tk 210–90 to Tk 300.
 
However, a faction of workers in Rajshahi continues to demand three free tickets per vehicle on the Dhaka–Rajshahi route, a request that remains unfulfilled. Until this demand is met, buses continue to be blocked.
 
Labor leader Zia confirmed that another meeting is scheduled for 11:30 AM at Nawdapara Bus Stand in Rajshahi to discuss the final decision regarding the ongoing disruption. Passengers continue to face uncertainty as negotiations remain ongoing.
 
END/MRA/SMA/