Travelers have been left stranded in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore after bus owners abruptly suspended Dhaka-bound services, escalating tensions following recent worker strikes.

On Thursday night, owners announced the sudden shutdown from ticket counters, citing disputes over increased wages for transport workers. This comes just days after transport unions held strikes demanding pay raises.

A tripartite meeting on September 23 in Dhaka agreed to implement wage increases from September 25. However, owners halted operations without notice.

Rafiqul Islam Pakhi, acting general secretary of the District Motor Workers’ Union, said:
“Workers had reached a negotiated settlement with owners. Yet, without warning, owners have stopped buses, causing immense suffering for passengers.”