Bus services suspended for second day in Barishal

Bus services from Nathullabad Bus Terminal in Barishal remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Monday, leaving thousands of commuters grappling with the crisis.

The bus operations on 23 intra-district routes have been halted since Saturday night after students of BM College allegedly vandalised over 150 buses following a clash with the transport works over half-fare.

According to bus owners, not a single vehicle was left in operable condition, making it impossible to resume operations, UNB reports.

“Almost all our buses were damaged. We have asked the college authorities for compensation. Only after receiving it, we can repair the vehicles and return them to the road,” said Mosharraf Hossain, president of Barishal District Bus Owners’ Group.

The deadlock began on Saturday night when a dispute broke out over a bus refusing to offer a student half half-fare.

Several hundred BM College students allegedly stormed the terminal and smashed buses, the terminal building and ticket counters.

Since the suspension began on Sunday morning, passengers have suffered severe disruption. During a visit to the terminal on Monday, many were seen returning home in frustration, while others attempted to reach their destinations using three-wheelers or motorbikes.

However, long-distance routes, including Barishal–Dhaka services, continue to operate normally.