At least 12 people were injured on Tuesday when transport workers attacked CNG-powered three-wheeler drivers in Rajshahi city, following a feud between the two groups over a prior incident, said police.
According to police and transport leaders, tensions had been brewing between bus workers and CNG-run three-wheeler drivers as the latter are not authorised to operate on highways.
On Monday, a group of three-wheeler drivers allegedly attacked six bus drivers and helpers in Tanore Upazila Sadar. In protest, transport workers enforced an indefinite strike from 1:00pm Monday, halting all bus services to and from Rajshahi city.
Following the strike, over 50 transport workers armed with hammers and sticks reportedly attacked the Rajshahi CNG stand at Rail Gate area on Tuesday. Witnesses said they vandalized over 70 three-wheelers, leaving dozens injured.
‘Equipped with iron rods and sticks, around 70 to 80 members of Rajshahi Bus Owners Association and Rajshahi Motor Workers’ Union vandalised our vehicles, injuring over 40 drivers and passengers,’ said Sirajul Islam, assistant general secretary of the Rajshahi CNG Owners Association.
He added that they were prioritising medical care for the injured and would file a case later that night.
However, Rafiqul Islam, acting general secretary of the Rajshahi Motor Workers’ Union, denied any involvement in the incident. ‘The three-wheeler drivers clashed among themselves and damaged their own vehicles. They are now trying to blame us.’
Boalia model police station officer-in-charge Mehedi Masud stated that they visited the scene upon receiving information. They found 12 people injured in the clash.
‘We found 32 CNG-powered three-wheelers vandalised and overturned, though the total number could be as high as 70,’ he said.
He urged the affected drivers to file a formal complaint, assuring that legal action would follow once a case was registered.