Bus services on all routes, including long-distance ones, were suspended in Chapainawabganj on Friday following a dispute between two transport workers’ unions over toll collection, causing severe public suffering.

Passengers faced major inconvenience as buses stopped operating from the morning due to a work abstention called by one of the workers’ groups.

Transport sources said a long-standing dispute between the Chapainawabganj District Truck, Tank Lorry and Covered Van Workers’ Union and the District Motor Workers’ Union over toll collection has escalated over time, with both groups allegedly collecting fees from buses operating on different routes.

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Following the dispute, members of the Truck, Tank Lorry and Covered Van Workers’ Union began an indefinite work stoppage from the morning, resulting in a complete halt in bus movement.

General Secretary of the Truck, Tank Lorry and Covered Van Workers’ Union, Anarul Islam Anar, said previously both organisations collected tolls through coordination at fixed rates. However, tensions escalated after a faction of the Motor Workers’ Union started separate toll collection in Haripur area of the municipality.

He said the protest was launched against what they described as “unauthorised toll collection outside designated terminals.”

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the District Motor Workers’ Union Abdul Rouf Julmat claimed their organisation is collecting tolls in line with regulations, while accusing the rival union of collecting fees beyond permitted limits.

Chapainawabganj Additional Superintendent of Police A.N.M. Wasim Firoz said attempts were made to resolve the dispute through meetings between the two sides, but no agreement has been reached yet.

He added that police are working to resolve the issue and have instructed both parties to refrain from illegal toll collection on roads.