Transport workers have suspended inter-district and long-route bus services from Rajshahi since this morning, demanding an election after rejecting the newly announced committee of the district motor workers’ union.

The protesting workers are currently staging a sit-in at the city’s Shiroil Bus Terminal, keeping buses off the roads.

The suspension has caused severe suffering for passengers on various routes. Ticket counters of several long-route operators remained closed, though many passengers were seen waiting at the terminal.

Habibur Rahman, a passenger bound for Cumilla, said he had taken leave in advance to travel home for Eid but arrived at the terminal only to find bus services suspended. He said ordinary passengers often suffer due to such programmes.

Rafiul Islam, a student travelling to Mymensingh, also expressed anger. “I came to the counter in the morning and heard that no buses would operate. I urgently need to reach my destination, but now I don’t know how I will travel,” he said.

Ataual Haque, a worker participating in the programme, said the Bangladesh Road Transport Federation announced a new 21-member committee for the Rajshahi District Motor Workers’ Union yesterday. Under the announcement, Rafikul Islam Pakhi was made president and Mominul Islam general secretary.

Pakhi had earlier served as acting general secretary. Recently, allegations were raised against him over attacks on workers under his leadership. He is also president of the Rajshahi metropolitan unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal.

A section of workers has rejected the committee, demanding an election and the formation of a three-month convening committee to begin the electoral process, Ataul said.

When contacted, Pakhi said passengers were facing immense suffering due to the sudden suspension of bus services.

“We are talking to all parties, including the protesting group, so that bus services can be normalised quickly through discussion and mutual understanding,” he said.