SM Sumon Rashid:
Like all routes in Barisal, the bus workers’ strike in Amtali, Barguna has also reached the end of the suffering of hundreds of passengers.
Bus services have been suspended on various roads including Barisal, Patuakhali, Kuakata, Taltoli since Wednesday (January 29) morning, causing widespread problems for passengers.
The reason for the strike is known to be the vandalism of a car and a chase and counter-chase with workers at the Barisal bus stand after a student of Barisal BM College was not transported at half fare. In this incident, regional transport bus workers called for a strike.
As a result, all transport companies in Barisal are going on strike in the morning and evening.
It has been seen on the ground that regional transport is not plying on the Patuakhali-Kuakata and Amtali-Taltali roads. Passengers are helpless and are going to their destinations in Mahendra, auto-rickshaws and motorcycles.
Many passengers have been unable to reach their destinations after waiting for hours, while they have had to pay extra fares when traveling by alternative means of transport.
Passenger Sabina Yasmin said, “I came to Amtali from Taltali with great difficulty to go to Subidkhali with my two children. But when I arrived, I found that there was no car. Helpless, I paid extra fare in a Mahindra car and went to Patuakhali.”
Meanwhile, bus driver Zafar Ibrahim said, “What’s the point of driving a bus where there is no safety of life? Passengers beat and abuse me for every little thing. If my life is safe, I will drive, or not.”
Ahiduzzaman Sajal, line secretary of the District Bus-Minibus Owners Association, said that the workers have called a strike, so the movement of vehicles on the road is closed. Even if the problem is resolved, the movement on the road will resume.
Traffic Police TI Md. Badrul Alam said, “Our traffic police are quite active in this strike. So that there is no damage to vehicles. That is why we also have extensive surveillance.”
Amtali Police Station OC Md. Ariful Islam Arif said, “Overall security on the road has been strengthened. However, there is no problem anywhere.”
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