Bus services from Barishal’s Nathullabad central bus terminal were disrupted for a second consecutive day after clashes between bus and three-wheeler workers over picking up passengers. The dispute affected long-distance and local routes, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and causing severe congestion on both sides of the highway near the terminal. Services resumed after 5pm following talks involving the district administration.

The report links the recurring tensions to competing influence at the bus and tempo stands held by Mosharraf Hossain and Mizanur Rahman Ahid, brothers of Barishal-5 lawmaker Mujibur Rahman Sarwar. Local allegations say the two oversee the bus owners’ association and the Alpha three-wheeler owners’ association respectively, while both leaders describe the dispute as organisational rather than personal.

On Tuesday, three-wheeler workers were accused of beating two bus drivers in Rahmatpur, who were admitted to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. Bus workers demanded arrests and restrictions on Mahindra and three-wheelers on highways. District Commissioner Mamun Khandaker said both sides pledged in a meeting not to engage in similar incidents, warning of legal action if passengers face further harassment.