At least 25 people were injured and several vehicles were torched during a violent clash between bus and CNG run autorickshaw drivers at the Birshreshtha Mostafa Kamal Bus Terminal in Bhola Sadar upazila on Tuesday. 

The confrontation, which began around 7:30pm, escalated into brickbatting and arson, resulting in two buses and five CNGs being set on fire. Another bus was vandalised during the hour-long chaos.

Bhola District Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shariful Haque, who inspected the scene, said the clash stemmed from a dispute between bus terminal workers and CNG drivers. “Several vehicles were set on fire and people were injured. The situation is now under control. Those responsible will face legal action,” he said. 

Law enforcement agencies and fire service personnel brought the situation under control after nearly an hour. The injured were rushed to Bhola’s 250-bed hospital, some in critical condition. 

In protest, the Bhola District Bus Owners' Association announced a suspension of bus services on all internal routes of the district. Organising Secretary Md Kader Kibria Ripon alleged that CNG drivers launched an unprovoked attack, injuring at least five workers and causing damages worth crores of taka. 

CNG Owners' Association Organising Secretary Hasan Mahmud countered the claim, accusing bus workers of vandalising their own vehicles and setting CNGs on fire. “Eight of our vehicles were burned, and eight drivers were seriously injured. Some were sent to Barishal for better treatment,” he said. 

According to locals, the clash began during a heated argument over the eviction of unauthorised vehicles and structures from the bus terminal. Despite the fire service office’s proximity to the site, officials reported being delayed by crowd obstruction and stone-throwing. 

Fire Service Inspector Faruk Hossain Howlader said, “We were unable to start our work on time due to interference from those present. Once law enforcement arrived, we managed to douse the flames in two buses and five CNGs.”