A clash broke out in Rajshahi on Thursday over the control of the Rajshahi district motor workers’ union office, leaving the area tense amid explosions, display of firearms and crude weapons, and widespread vandalism.
The violence took place from around 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the city’s Shiroil Bus Terminal area.
According to allegations, the takeover attempt was led by Rofiqul Islam Pakhi, convener of the city Jubo Dal and acting general secretary of the district motor workers’ union.
Local and union sources said that following the fall of the previous Awami League government, Pakhi had assumed the role of acting general secretary replacing former leader Mahtab Hossain Chowdhury. However, tensions escalated after several workers were allegedly assaulted by Pakhi’s supporters over a trivial incident on Wednesday.
In protest, agitated workers confined Pakhi, assaulted him and locked the union office, demanding immediate elections.
On Thursday, rival groups of workers gathered in different parts of the city, with Pakhi’s opponents assembling in the Shiroil area and his supporters gathering near Railgate. Both sides were seen carrying rods, pipes and locally made weapons.
Around 4:30pm, Pakhi, accompanied by BNP, Jubo Dal and labour wing activists, entered the Shiroil area with a procession of around 200 supporters.
Eyewitnesses said his supporters exploded 5–6 crude bombs upon arrival, triggering panic in the area. As rival workers retreated under pressure, Pakhi’s group took control of the union office and vandalised several shops, building windows and multiple motorcycles.
After about an hour of unrest, they returned to the Railgate area.
Locals alleged that police were present at the scene but failed to take effective action during the violence, remaining largely silent observers. However, police were later reinforced in the area to prevent further escalation.
Rofiqul Islam Pakhi claimed that “pro-Awami League labour leaders had locked the office using general workers” and said his group had “recovered the office.” He added that the situation is now under control.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Additional Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said both groups had left the area and the situation was now calm.
Responding to allegations of police inaction, he said additional forces were deployed and assured that legal action would be taken after reviewing CCTV footage.