Swapan Kumar Singh:

Bus operations on the Habiganj–Sylhet route, along with several other inter-district routes, have remained suspended indefinitely since Tuesday morning (May 12), as the Habiganj Motor Owners’ Group enforced a strike in protest against incidents of bus obstruction, vandalism, and assaults in Moulvibazar. The sudden halt in services without prior notice has caused severe inconvenience to passengers, including patients, students, examinees, and working professionals.
Transport sources said long-standing disputes between bus owners’ associations of the two districts over operations on the Habiganj–Sylhet (via Moulvibazar) route have escalated tensions. The situation worsened after incidents on Sunday (May 10), when several Habiganj–Sylhet non-stop buses were reportedly stopped in the Sherpur area of Moulvibazar. Some buses were allegedly attacked, vandalised, and drivers and workers were assaulted, further intensifying the conflict.
Following discussions with various stakeholders on Monday night (May 11), the Habiganj Motor Owners’ Group decided to suspend all bus services, according to transport sources.
As a result, no buses were seen operating on routes including Habiganj–Madhabpur, Habiganj–Sreemangal–Moulvibazar–Sherpur–Sylhet, and direct Habiganj–Sylhet services from Tuesday morning. No inter-district or long-distance buses departed from the Habiganj municipal bus terminal either.
Leaders of the Habiganj Motor Owners’ Group stated that around 35 to 40 buses were reportedly detained over the past two days, while several hundred transport workers remain in an insecure situation. They said the matter has been communicated to the administration and the strike will continue until a proper resolution is reached. They also warned of a larger movement if the issue is not resolved within the stipulated time.
Meanwhile, Habiganj Deputy Commissioner G M Sarfaraz Malik held a meeting with representatives of both sides on Tuesday morning in an effort to resolve the dispute. Discussions were also held with transport leaders from the Sylhet division, according to sources. However, no resolution had been reached as of Tuesday evening.
On the other hand, the Moulvibazar Bus Owners’ Association has alleged that several buses from Habiganj operate without valid documents and proper fitness certification. In response, the Habiganj Motor Owners’ Group claimed that their services are being obstructed under the pretext of passenger shortages.
With bus services suspended, passengers are forced to rely on CNG-run auto-rickshaws, microbuses, and other small vehicles, often travelling in multiple stages to reach their destinations. This has resulted in significantly higher travel costs. Many passengers were seen returning from bus terminals after learning about the suspension of services.
Travellers expressed frustration over the sudden halt in bus operations without any prior announcement, saying they are facing severe hardship. Patients, women, and children are particularly affected. They also blamed the ongoing dispute between the two owners’ associations for causing widespread suffering among ordinary people.