Swapan Kumar Singh :

Transport services on the Habiganj–Sylhet highway have returned to normal after an indefinite bus strike was withdrawn late Tuesday night (May 12), following administrative intervention and growing public suffering.

The strike, which had disrupted inter-district connectivity, was called in response to tensions surrounding the operation of non-stop buses on the Habiganj–Sylhet route. With the withdrawal of the shutdown, regular bus movement resumed on Wednesday morning (May 13), bringing relief to stranded passengers who had endured hours of disruption.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, bus services from Hobiganj to Sylhet and several other routes came to a complete halt. The sudden suspension caused severe inconvenience, forcing many passengers to rely on alternative transport at higher fares to reach their destinations.

However, transport operators said the underlying dispute has not yet been resolved. As a result, bus services on the Srimangal–Moulvibazar route will remain suspended until a permanent solution is reached.

Speaking on the issue, Habiganj Motor Owners Group General Secretary Sohel Chowdhury said that tensions escalated after non-stop Habiganj–Sylhet buses were allegedly blocked in the Sherpur area on Sunday (May 10) by leaders of the Moulvibazar transport association. In protest, transport owners in Habiganj enforced the strike, which was later withdrawn in consideration of public suffering.

Authorities are expected to continue discussions with both sides to prevent further disruption to regional transport networks.