Bus operations between Rajshahi and the rest of Bangladesh have been suspended indefinitely following a dispute over the formation of the Rajshahi District Motor Workers’ Union committee. Workers announced the shutdown on Monday afternoon after the deputy commissioner’s mediation failed to resolve the issue. The suspension has caused severe travel disruptions for passengers on routes including Dhaka.

According to reports, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced a 21-member committee for the Rajshahi union on May 12, appointing Rafiqul Islam Pakhi as president and Mominul Islam Momin as general secretary. The committee was formed without an election, prompting protests from a faction of workers who demanded a vote. Clashes, chases, and even explosions occurred during the unrest, after which the district administration temporarily took charge of the organization.

Talks held at the district commissioner’s office on Tuesday failed to produce a resolution or election schedule. Workers declared that the strike would continue until an ad hoc committee is formed and elections are held.