Bus and truck services on all routes from Chapainawabganj were suspended on Thursday morning after members of the district Truck, Tank Lorry and Covered Van Workers Union began a work stoppage. The disruption followed a longstanding dispute with the District Motor Workers Union over collections from buses said to be used for workers’ welfare.

The conflict intensified after allegations that several bus workers were assaulted by members of the Motor Workers Union on Tuesday. Leaders of the two organisations met under police supervision on Wednesday night, but no settlement was reached. Truck union president Saidur Rahman alleged that the other union illegally collects money by stopping buses on the road.

District Motor Workers Union general secretary Abdur Rauf Julmat denied the allegation, saying its organisation collects funds from buses according to rules. Additional Superintendent of Police Ekramul Haque said both sides remained firm in their positions during the meeting. He added that police told both organisations that no extortion would be permitted on the roads.