Transport workers clash in Rajshahi
10 hurt, 8 vehicles vandalised; traffic on all routes halted for 9 hours
Bus workers vandalise a pickup during their fierce clash with workers of CNG-run auto-rickshaws and small passenger vehicles in Rajshahi city yesterday. Photo: STAR
At least ten people were injured as bus and auto-rickshaw workers clashed in the city yesterday. The clash ensued as the drivers and workers of CNG-run auto-rickshaws and human haulers vandalised a bus near Rajshahi railway terminal at around 9:00am. Drivers and workers of CNG-run auto-rickshaw and human haulers vandalised the bus as bus drivers and workers have long been demanding ban on the movement of small vehicles on the highway. Protesting the incident, bus workers rushed to the spot and locked in a clash with the auto-rickshaw workers. Witness said chase and counter chase between the clashing groups at different points in the city continued until 4:00pm, leaving ten transport workers from both sides injured. Two buses and six CNG-run auto-rickshaws were vandalised during the clash and vehicular movement on all routes in Rajshahi remained suspended for nine hours from 9:00am. Roadside shops were also closed. The situation came under controlled at around 5:00pm as law enforcers and the transports leaders assured the both sides of resolving the issue. The injured were admitted to different clinic in the city, sources of transport worker said. Md Shariar, officer-in-charge of Boalia police station, said bus workers have long been protesting movement of small vehicles like auto-rickshaw and human hauler on the highway. "The situation is now under controlled and additional police have been deployed at different points in the city", he added. Contacted, Rajshahi Motor Workers Union President Kamal Hossain said they are holding a meeting with the bus workers and auto-rickshaw workers to settle the matter",
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