Bus strike halts Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route

Thousands of passengers faced severe travel disruptions as bus drivers and helpers of four major transport companies—Marsha, Saudhia, Purabi, and Swadhin Travels—went on a 36-hour strike on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route.

The strike, which began at 6am on Thursday, left passengers stranded at Shah Amanat Bridge counters and forced many to travel through costly and time-consuming alternatives. Some took local buses to Chakaria before catching another ride to Cox’s Bazar, doubling both their expenses and travel hours.

Passengers expressed frustration over the strike. Atiqul Alam, who traveled to Chattogram for urgent work, said, “After finishing my work, I found the counters closed. Microbus drivers are now charging double. The strike should have considered passengers’ suffering.” Another traveler, Sandipan Roy, who waited three hours without finding a bus, said, “They don’t treat us as humans. Authorities look away while we suffer.”

The workers demanded a wage increase and the establishment of a welfare fund. Currently, drivers earn Tk 550 per trip and helpers Tk 275, with a maximum of two trips a day. “With Tk 550 a day, I can’t feed my family, pay for children’s education, and survive in today’s market,” said Abdul Aziz, a driver with eight years of experience. Workers also complained that owners provide no support during accidents.

Arakan Road Transport Workers Union General Secretary Mohammad Musa said, “We are continuing the strike to press for our just demands. Owners promised solutions on 19 August but did nothing. This time we won’t stop until our demands are met.

LND/SAE