C T Online Desk: Passengers in Bandarban have been suffering as long-distance bus services have been suspended in the district following the 48-hour transport strike called on Sunday.
The Greater Chittagong Gana Paribahan Malik-Sramik Oikya Parishad called the strike following an incident of vandalism and arson resulting in the tragic deaths of two Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) students by a bus.
Due to this, road communication from Bandarban to Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Rangamati has been suspended.
Many people have returned from the bus stations after being unable to go to their destinations. However, small vehicles are running inside the district.
A school teacher, Umme Hasnat, said: “The schools are opening today (Sunday), so I have to go.”
She said she could not find any vehicles since morning.
A driver, Md Shamsul Alam, said CNG-run auto-rickshaws usually charge Tk90 per person up to Keranihat. “Today (Sunday), due to the strike, they are charging Tk100.”
The strike commenced at 6am on Sunday.
The movement of buses, minibuses, human haulers, autorickshaws, and auto-tempos will cease in Chittagong district, the metropolis, Cox’s Bazar, and three hill districts from 6am on Sunday until 6am on Tuesday.
No long-distance buses will be allowed to enter or leave these districts, employers and workers have been urged to support the strike.
