Indefinite transport strike snaps road link

Road communication between the district and other parts of the country remained cut-off since yesterday morning as transport workers started an indefinite strike protesting an attack on them and burning of two passenger buses over a trivial issue.

Ten transport workers sustained injuries during the attack by students of Hajee Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), claimed leaders of the workers' union.  

 Witnesses said a passenger bus bumped into another bus carrying students of HSTU at Maharaja School intersection in the town around 7:30pm on Wednesday. The students beat up the driver and helper of the passenger bus. They were taken to M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital.

On hearing about the clash, the students blocked the Dinajpur-Rangpur Highway around 9 km from Dinajpur Central Bus terminal.

 During the blockade, students clashed with the transport workers in Basherhat area. The students torched two buses at around 8:30pm. Two vehicles of Fire Service and Civil Defence went to the spot, but the students did not allow them to douse the fire.

 Police also tried to control them, but could not.

 Superintendent of Police (SP) in the district Hamidul Alam went to the spot around 11:30pm and persuaded the students to go back to their campus.

 Transport workers and bus operators held an emergency meeting on Wednesday night, protesting the attack and burning of buses, and announced an indefinite strike from 6:00am yesterday.

All the counters selling bus tickets were closed yesterday.

General Secretary of Dinajpur Transport Workers' Union M Rafiq alleged that university authorities provoked the students to be unruly. They demanded removal of the vice-chancellor and proctor of HSTU for their failure to control the students. They also demanded compensation for the burnt buses.

Buses will not ply the roads until their demands are met, Rafiq said.

 Students of HSTU blocked the highway in front of the university since yesterday. They are chasing journalists in the university area, alleged several journalists.

The SP said they were trying to settle the issue.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Abul Kashem could not be contacted as he did not receive any calls.