Three-wheeler drivers staged a blockade at Rahmatpur bus stand on the Barishal-Dhaka highway from 9am Tuesday, stopping internal-route bus services. Protesters turned back buses operating on the highway, leaving passengers travelling from Barishal to upazilas and other internal destinations facing severe disruption. Students, office commuters and people travelling for urgent needs were among those affected.

Driver Abdullah Mamun alleged that Mahindra and easy-bike drivers departing from Nathullabad in Barishal city are repeatedly obstructed by bus owners' association and workers' union activists. He alleged workers strike vehicles with sticks when drivers try to stop at Nathullabad bus terminal to pick up passengers. Bus owners, meanwhile, say unauthorized three-wheelers on the highway are causing financial losses, passenger shortages and increased accident risks.

The dispute over passenger transport has continued for a long time, according to the drivers. Bus owners and workers had begun a protest on Monday afternoon, halting long-distance services from Barishal, following allegations that several buses were vandalized near Shimultala on the Barishal-Banaripara route. Police are discussing the situation with both sides, and Airport Police Station officer-in-charge Md Shakhawat Hossain said traffic was expected to resume soon.