Transport Workers Block Roads in Saydabad, Opposing Counter-Based Bus Services

Staff Reporter

Transport workers in Dhaka’s Saydabad area staged a road blockade on Monday, demanding the suspension of counter-based bus operations. The protest lasted from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Jonopath Mor, disrupting traffic in the area.

Eyewitnesses reported that a bus was positioned across the road, halting the movement of other vehicles. The workers chanted slogans, insisting on the cancellation of the counter-based system.

Protesting workers claimed that counter-based operations are financially unsustainable. They alleged that they are unable to cover operating costs, and bus owners are withholding their wages.

Saedul, a protesting transport worker, said, “For the past week, bus staff have not received their salaries. Owners say they are not receiving sufficient revenue. If buses don’t operate as they used to, no vehicles will run from Saydabad.”

Law enforcement intervened, requesting the workers to end the blockade. The protest ended around 3:30 PM.

The introduction of counter-based buses in Dhaka began on February 6 as part of efforts to streamline public transportation. However, the initiative faced resistance from some bus owners and workers. On February 10, workers in Saydabad also protested, demanding the withdrawal of the counter-based system, blocking roads for over two hours and causing severe traffic congestion.

Rafiqul Islam, Joint Secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, previously stated that workers from certain transport companies oppose the system due to lower earnings compared to picking up passengers indiscriminately.

The system, initiated by Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali, aims to improve the city’s traffic management and reduce chaos. He emphasized that counter-based operations are part of a phased effort to reform all bus routes in Dhaka.