Transport workers halt traffic on Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway

Transport workers have halted traffic on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway, protesting an alleged assault on a bus driver. 

The sudden strike has left passengers stranded and caused significant disruption on the route.

Workers began their protest near the Shah Amanat Bridge area in Chattogram this morning (8 September), stopping vehicles from entering or leaving the city. 

The blockade has resulted in severe traffic congestion, with many passengers forced to abandon their transport and walk to their destinations.

The protesting workers claim that Mohammad Musa, the general secretary of the Arakan Road Transport Workers Union, incited illegal workers to assault legitimate transport workers. 

A senior bus driver was injured in the attack, prompting the strike.

Due to the protest, numerous vehicles have been stuck on the Shah Amanat Bridge, creating a severe traffic jam. Hundreds of workers have gathered at the bridge's northern end in Chaktai, chanting slogans. 

Workers accused certain union leaders, including Musa, of exploiting them for years. 

"Like Sheikh Hasina's autocratic methods, some union leaders have been draining our blood. Musa is one of them," a protesting worker said. 

They claimed that Musa and his associates extorted Tk1,680 from each bus travelling from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar. 

"When we protest against the extortion, we face persecution. Our main demand is to end this extortion in the name of the transport organisation, stop attacks on workers, and ensure our safety," the worker added.

A protesting worker leader, affiliated with the Arakan Road Transport Workers Union, accused Musa of exploiting workers for 17 years without holding elections. 

"Even after the regime change in the country, Musa's extortion continues. Over 8,000 workers have left the profession in the last 17 years due to his tyranny. We will continue our protest until the autocrat Musa is punished," the leader said.

However, Mohammad Musa, general secretary of the Arakan Road Transport Workers Union, denied the allegations. 

Speaking to The Business Standard, Musa said, "Last night in Dohazari, a minibus driver assaulted a large bus driver. It's a dispute between two parties and has nothing to do with me. Those accusing me of extortion cannot prove it. To my knowledge, no service charges or extortion incidents have occurred since the government change."

The army arrived at the scene to negotiate with the workers and bring the situation under control.