Transport workers lock in fresh clash: 50 hurt

Two groups of transport workers get locked in a fierce clash over possession of Rangpur Bus Terminal yesterday. Photo: Banglar Chokh

Transport workers yesterday again clashed over control of Rangpur Central Bus Terminal, leaving at least 50 people, including ten policemen, injured.
Witnesses said a faction of Rangpur Motor Sramik Union belonging to Solaiman group captured the bus terminal at around 7:00am.
Hearing the news, another faction loyal to Altab rushed to the terminal and swooped on their rivals with sticks and sharp weapons, leading to a fierce clash between the two sides.
The clashing groups used hockey sticks, sharp weapons and hurled brickbats at each other, injuring at least 40 transport workers from both factions.
Ten policemen were also injured during the clash that continued for three hours halting traffic on the Dhaka-Rangpur-Dinajpur highway.
Police dispersed the transport workers firing at least 50 tear gas shells and took control of the terminal.
Of the injured, 25 were admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital while the rest given first aid.
At least 150 people have been injured in clashes between the two factions of Rangpur Motore Sramik Union over control of the bus terminal since takeover by the present government.
Meanwhile, the leaders of different political parties have expressed concerned at deteriorating law and order situation in the district town centring clashes between two rival groups of transport workers.